Papua Rebels Warn: Military Action Threatens NZ Pilot's Safety

In a concerning development, separatist rebels in Papua, Indonesia's easternmost region, have issued a warning regarding the safety of Philip Mark Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot held hostage for over 19 months. The rebels cautioned that intensified military operations aimed at rescuing Mehrtens could potentially endanger his life.

Mehrtens, a Christchurch native working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air, was abducted on February 7, 2023, when rebels led by Egianus Kogoya, a commander of the Free Papua Movement, seized his single-engine plane on a small runway in Paro. This incident underscores the deteriorating security situation in Papua, a region with a complex history and ongoing conflict.

Papua, formerly known as Irian Jaya, has been part of Indonesia since 1969, following a controversial referendum known as the "Act of Free Choice." The region, predominantly populated by Melanesians, is culturally and ethnically distinct from much of Indonesia. Rich in natural resources, including gold, copper, and natural gas, Papua has been a focal point of tension between separatist groups and the Indonesian government.

The Free Papua Movement, founded in 1965, has long advocated for independence from Indonesia. The ongoing conflict has resulted in an estimated 100,000-500,000 deaths since the 1960s, highlighting the severity of the situation.

In response to the hostage crisis, rebel spokesperson Sabby Sambom stated, "The Indonesian Government appears to be ignoring the TPNPB Proposal for the release of the Susi Air Pilot from New Zealand." Sambom urged the New Zealand government to press Indonesia to halt military operations during negotiations, emphasizing the potential risk to Mehrtens' life.

The rebels claim that Indonesian forces have increased their presence in Nduga, a known rebel stronghold in Papua Mountains province, and launched airstrikes on the TPNPB headquarters in Alguru village, where Mehrtens is believed to be held.

New Zealand's foreign affairs ministry acknowledged awareness of the rebels' proposal but refrained from discussing details publicly, stating their commitment to working closely with all parties for Mehrtens' release.

This hostage situation is not unprecedented in Papua. In 1996, the Free Papua Movement abducted 26 members of a World Wildlife Fund research mission in Mapenduma, resulting in the deaths of two Indonesian hostages before the others were freed within five months.

The region's volatile nature was further emphasized in August 2024 when gunmen killed Glen Malcolm Conning, another New Zealand pilot, after his helicopter landed in Alama, a remote village in Central Papua province.

Papua's incorporation into Indonesia has been a source of ongoing controversy. The region's literacy rate remains significantly lower than the Indonesian national average, and Indonesia's transmigration policy has led to substantial demographic changes. The Morning Star flag, a symbol of Papuan independence, is banned by Indonesian authorities, further fueling tensions.

As efforts to secure Mehrtens' release continue, the situation serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing Papua, a region rich in biodiversity but plagued by conflict and underdevelopment.

"The NZ Government must be serious and urge their friendly country, Indonesia, to stop the Military operations during the process, because it endangers the life of the New Zealand Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens."

The international community watches closely as this hostage crisis unfolds, hoping for a peaceful resolution that addresses both the immediate concern for Mehrtens' safety and the broader issues underlying the Papua conflict.