A pilot from New Zealand has been living hostage in the jungle of Papua for more than a year. The motives are political.
More than a year after a New Zealand pilot was kidnapped by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua province, efforts to free the hostage continue.
On February 7, 2023, rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) set fire to a small airliner in the remote Nduga district and kidnapped the pilot of the local airline Susi Air. On Monday, New Zealand police attaché Paul Borrel met with the police chief of Papua to discuss how to proceed, authorities in the troubled province said.
Rebels demand direct talks with government officials
The rebels are demanding Papua’s independence from Indonesia and that the United Nations mediate in relevant negotiations. A spokesman for the TPNPB told the German Press Agency that the group was ready to release the hostage – but only if there were direct talks with the governments of Indonesia and New Zealand. “It’s a hostage situation, so the New Zealand and Indonesian governments need to form a team and talk to the TPNPB – without involving the police,” stressed spokesman Sebby Sambom. “Otherwise there will be no release.”
Signs of life via video
Over the past twelve months, the rebels have released videos and photos of their hostage several times. The abducted Philip Mehrtens can be seen in the photos apparently well and in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by indigenous people, some of whom are heavily armed. The latest video was distributed to mark the anniversary of the kidnapping. Mehrtens is seen pale and with a long beard and disheveled hair. “I’m okay, they treat me good,” he said.
“I’m trying to stay positive and I hope that you and Jacob are healthy and doing well and getting support,” he addressed his wife and son. He asked to be given asthma medicine as well as an e-book reader with as many English-language books as possible.
A violent attempt at liberation failed
Indonesian police are working hard to free Mehrtens, local police chief Mathius D. Fakhiri said on Monday. A gentle approach and communication with the kidnappers would have priority so as not to endanger the life of the hostage.
A violent liberation attempt by the military last April failed. According to the army, four soldiers were killed in the action. New Zealand’s police attaché Borrel apologized for the loss and stressed: “We entrust the release of the pilot to the Indonesian government.”
The Indonesian-ruled Papua region in the western half of New Guinea has been the scene of separatist uprisings since the 1960s. The province was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 in a United Nations-backed vote. There have been violent clashes in the resource-rich region for years. The east of the island, north of Australia, is the independent country of Papua New Guinea.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
