Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: Separatist fighters in Indonesia’s Papua region have kidnapped a New Zealand pilot and threatened to kill him.
The man was caught after his plane burnt down while landing in the mountainous district of Nduga. Five passengers, including a child, are assumed to have been released. The separatists want Indonesia to recognise the province of West Papua’s independence. Police have stated that they are investigating the incident, but that it is difficult logistically because the area can only be reached by air. The pilot’s name has been given as Philip Merthens, though different spellings have been given.
Fighters of terrorist organisation claimed responsibility
The West Papua National Liberation Army, a terrorist organisation designated by Indonesia, has claimed responsibility for the attack. The group’s spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, has stated that the pilot will be executed if Indonesia “refuses to negotiate” over West Papua’s independence. The New Zealand government has stated that it was aware of the situation and that its consulate in Jakarta, Indonesia, is assisting the pilot’s family.
According to the Associated Press, the plane belonged to Susi Air and was transporting supplies from the nearby mining town of Timika. Susie Pudjiastuti, the airline’s founder, has stated on social media that she is praying for those who have been seized. Papua is a former Dutch colony divided into two provinces: Papua and West Papua.
It was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 after a contentious UN-supervised ballot, and fighting between separatists and the Indonesian military has become common since then. Papua is distinct from Papua New Guinea, which gained independence from Australia in 1975.
