New Zealand pilot held hostage by insurgents in West Papua, Indonesia
Date
2/16/2023 2:29:05 AM
(MENAFN) A group of insurgents in West Papua, Indonesia, have taken a New Zealand pilot hostage after his light plane crashed in the remote and jungle-covered highlands of the Nduga region. The West Papua National Liberation Army, which has been fighting for independence from Indonesia since 1971, found the pilot along with five passengers, who were later released. In a video issued by a rebel leader, the group has called for the release of the hostage, Philip Mehrtens, in exchange for the cessation of New Zealand’s military support for Indonesia. Mr Mehrtens would be “safe with me as long as Indonesia does not use its arms, either from the air or on the ground,” said the leader, identified as Egianus Kogoya.
Indonesian cabinet minister Mohammad Mahmodin said the government would prioritize a persuasive approach to secure Mr Mehrtens's release. However, the Indonesian government has stated that West Papua would remain part of the "unitary state of Indonesia". The New Zealand government has yet to comment on the situation. The New Zealand armed forces work with the Indonesian defense force, including through joint training, humanitarian operations, and at regional forums.
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