13-4-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesia’s military refuted allegations of employing air strikes in a remote and volatile region of the country, following a distressing video featuring a New Zealand pilot abducted by Papuan rebels.
Phillip Mehrtens, the pilot, was taken captive on Feb. 7, 2023, by an armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Egianus Kogoya. The incident occurred after Mehrtens landed a small commercial plane in the secluded, mountainous area of Nduga.
Nugraha Gumilar, spokesperson for Indonesia’s military, dismissed claims made by the rebel group regarding air strikes, branding them as “hoax news.” He affirmed that efforts are underway to secure Mehrtens’ safe return.
In a recently released video by TPNPB, Mehrtens, flanked by armed Papua rebels, expressed concerns about his safety amidst alleged air strikes.
Kogoya, representing TPNPB, demanded an end to the purported bombing activities by Indonesia’s military, denouncing them as disproportionate actions. The rebel group asserted that Mehrtens’ release would only occur through negotiations facilitated by the United Nations.
In response, New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade reiterated its commitment to securing a peaceful resolution and the safe release of Mehrtens. This includes close collaboration with Indonesian authorities.
The ongoing conflict for independence in the resource-rich western half of Papua Island has endured since it was controversially integrated into Indonesian governance following a United Nations-supervised vote in 1969.
