TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Rebels in Papua say they killed 9 soldiers; army says 1 died
Indonesian Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Julius Widjojono said on Sunday other soldiers were dispersed to several sites in the search for captured Susi Air pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, and they were having communication difficulties due to bad weather.
Change Size
New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens read a statement prepared by a group of separatists in Papua on March 10, 2023. (The Jakarta Post/Twitter)
S
eparatist rebels in Papua claimed on Sunday to have killed nine army personnel the day before, after Jakarta did not respond to a request for negotiations, while the military said one soldier died during the attack on Saturday.
Indonesian Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Julius Widjojono said on Sunday other soldiers were dispersed to several sites in the search for captured Susi Air pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, and they were having communication difficulties due to bad weather.
"As of 2:03 p.m. local time (0503 GMT) the information we have is one died. We have not received any other information because it is difficult to reach the area, especially with the uncertain weather," Julius said when asked about the higher casualty numbers.
Julius said the military will intensify the operation to rescue Mehrtens as they have identified the pilot's location.
Erratic weather has made the effort challenging, he said.
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) abducted the New Zealand pilot in February. The group initially demanded Jakarta recognise the area's independence but told Reuters this month they were prepared to drop that demand and seek dialogue.
"We asked the Indonesian and New Zealand governments to free the hostages through peaceful negotiations," rebel spokesperson Sebby Sambom said in a recorded message on Sunday.
