New Zealand Pilot Killed in Papua: Body Recovered Amid Ongoing Conflict
Indonesian forces recover the body of a New Zealand pilot killed in Papua. The incident highlights ongoing security challenges in the region, where separatist tensions have persisted for decades.
In a recent development in Indonesia's Papua region, security forces have recovered the body of Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand pilot killed on 2024-08-05. The incident occurred in Alama, a remote district in Central Papua province, underscoring the ongoing security challenges in the area.
Conning, who worked for PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, was allegedly shot by members of the West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement. The attack took place shortly after his helicopter landed in Alama. While the six passengers, including two health workers and two children, were released unharmed, Conning tragically lost his life.
Bayu Suseno, spokesperson for the Cartenz Peace Taskforce, identified the suspected attackers as a group from Nduga district, led by Egianus Kogoya. This group has been described as particularly active in disrupting security around Timika, a town near the Grasberg mine, which is partially owned by U.S.-based Freeport-McMoRan.
The incident bears similarities to a previous case from February 2023, when Kogoya abducted Philip Mark Mehrtens, another New Zealand pilot working for Susi Air. Mehrtens remains in captivity 18 months later, with the rebels demanding Papua's independence in exchange for his release.
Lt. Gen. Richard Tampubolon, Chief of the Joint Regional Command of Papua, reported that Conning's body was found inside his helicopter on a small runway in Alama. The rescue operation also evacuated 13 people, mostly teachers and health workers, who were traumatized by the incident.
"We had designated the area as a restricted zone where civilian aircraft were prohibited from landing."
This tragic event highlights the complex situation in Papua, which has a distinct ethnic and cultural identity from much of Indonesia. Incorporated into Indonesia 55 years ago through a controversial UN-sponsored ballot, Papua has since experienced a low-level insurgency.
The region's challenging terrain and remote communities make aviation crucial for access, but also increase vulnerability to such incidents. As Indonesia grapples with this ongoing conflict, the international community continues to watch the situation in Papua with concern.
