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Indonesian Military set for long-term operation to rescue NZ pilot
The blending of TPNPB members with local civilians has been cited as the primary obstacle for the whole operation.
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Safe return: Military and police personnel surround a helicopter in Kenyam district in the Papua regency of Nduga on Feb. 2. The chopper was used to evacuate 15 people who had been held hostage by a separatist armed group. (Courtesy of /Cenderawasih Military Command)
T
he Indonesian security forces are set to conduct a long-term operation to rescue the New Zealand pilot who has been held hostage by an armed Papuan rebel group in Nduga Regency, Papua Highlands, for more than 20 days.
Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Adm. Yudo Margono said he had no plan to deploy additional troops to the restive regency to help with the rescue operation, which he said would continue to be carried out “persuasively” to protect the local civilians.
“We do not set any target. The [armed criminal groups] are interspersed with the locals, including children, to protect themselves. We will try to carry out [the rescue operation] persuasively. We do not want the local community to become collateral because of it,” he said as quoted by kompas.com on Monday.
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was captured by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Egianus Kogoya on Feb. 7 after landing in Nduga, along with several Indonesian passengers, who were later released. The group, which is linked to the Free Papua Movement (OPM), has demanded that Jakarta recognize Papuan independence in return for Mehrtens’ release and has used the ongoing hostage crisis as a way to internationalize its political cause.
A spokesperson for the TPNPB shared photographs and videos of Mehrtens surrounded by about a dozen fighters, some armed with guns and bows. Mehrtens is heard saying his captors asked for the TNI's withdrawal from Papua, otherwise he would be held for life.
Negotiations underway
