(C) South China Morning Post
The Indonesian military has categorically denied allegations of conducting air strikes in the restive region of Papua, where New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens was kidnapped by Papuan rebels.
Phillip Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot, was taken hostage by an armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Egianus Kogoya on February 7, 2023, after landing a small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous area of Nduga.
A video released by the TPNPB featured Mehrtens surrounded by armed rebels, claiming that he was no longer safe due to the alleged air strikes by the Indonesian military. This has raised international concerns and prompted calls for a peaceful resolution.
The spokesperson for Indonesia’s military, Nugraha Gumilar, stated that the rebel group is known for reporting “hoax news” and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to rescuing the kidnapped pilot without the use of air strikes.
The TPNPB has demanded that the Indonesian military cease any military actions and has called for negotiations facilitated by the United Nations for Mehrtens’ release. New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also been actively involved, working closely with Indonesian authorities to secure a peaceful resolution.
The conflict in Papua has a long history, with a low-level but increasingly deadly battle for independence being waged in the resource-rich western half of the island of Papua since it was controversially brought under Indonesian control in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969.
The situation in Papua is a delicate one, with the safety of the kidnapped pilot at stake. It underscores the need for diplomatic efforts and international cooperation to ensure a peaceful outcome.
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