Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Security forces in Papua– a restive region in Indonesia– have surrounded separatists holding captive a New Zealand pilot but will show restraint while talks for his release continue, according to a top security official.
A Susi Air pilot Philip Mehrtens was taken hostage by the West Papua National Liberation Army on 7 February after landing in the remote region of Nduga.
The rebels say they will not release him unless the Indonesian government recognizes the region’s independence and withdraws its forces.
Saving pilot’s life top priority
Mahfud MD, Chief security minister, said security forces had discovered the location of the group holding the pilot but would exercise restraint to protect his life.
Separatists are busy in a low-level fight for independence since the resource-rich region, once ruled by the Netherlands, was brought under Indonesian control after a United Nations-supervised vote in 1969.
Hostage-taking of foreigners has been unusual, and the conflict has escalated since 2018, with rebels carrying deadlier and more frequent attacks.
