First picture I've seen of an "engine pod part".
ypgeek's link identifies a part as forward cargo which Sampublius's link says is roof over cockpit. Hard to say - it does look like it used to be white, which means upper section (lower half is painted grey) BUT the identification as cargo bay is based on part numbers visible on the back.
https://storify.com/vpkivimaki/mh17-hull-parts
Either way, obvious from the location it's a front part. Looking at the back, part of it has no shrapnel holes at all. That looks like it curled up instantly from the decompression, so the front parts protected the back section.