Indonesia military ready for operation to free New Zealand pilot hostage Philip Mehrtens, if talks fail

Indonesia military ready for operation to free New Zealand pilot hostage Philip Mehrtens, if talks fail

By abc.net.au
Friday 17/02/2023
Philip Mehrtens was taken hostage by West Papuan rebels last week after he landed a plane at a remote airstrip.(Supplied )

An Indonesian military commander in its restive Papua region said a "law enforcement operation" was being prepared to free a New Zealand pilot held hostage by separatists, but only as a last resort if negotiations failed.

Indonesia was currently taking soft approaches to try to break the deadlock, regional commander Muhammad Saleh Mustafa said, with local politicians and religious figures involved in trying to secure the release of Philip Mehrtens.

Mr Mehrtens, a Susi Air pilot, was abducted by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) last week after landing in the remote region of Nduga.

"Indonesian police and military do have a standard operating procedure in enforcing the law," Mr Muhammad told a news conference, without elaborating.

"To prevent this problem being prolonged we must set a deadline."

A spokesperson for the TPNPB shared photographs and videos of Mr Mehrtens on Wednesday surrounded by about a dozen fighters, some armed with guns and bows.

Mr Mehrtens is heard saying his captors asked for the Indonesian military's withdrawal from Papua, otherwise he would be held for life.

Separatists have waged a low-level fight for independence since the resource-rich region, once governed by the Netherlands, was brought under Indonesian control following a controversial United Nations backed referendum in 1969.

Hostage-taking has been rare and the conflict has escalated since 2018, with rebels mounting deadlier and more frequent attacks.

Mr Muhammad did not provide details of what the operation might entail, citing confidentiality, but said police, military and intelligence officials were involved in the planning.

"The perpetrators are not from a separatist group, the perpetrators are terrorists involved in crime," Muhammad said.

"That is why the military and police must enforce the law."

New Zealand's embassy had given its approval for the plan, he said.

New Zealand's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Thursday.

Late on Tuesday, Indonesia's chief security minister Mahfud MD vowed to ensure Mr Mehrtens' release using "persuasive approaches, but said could not rule out "other ways".

[Story By: Reuters]

Original Article Linkhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-02-17/philip-mehrtens-indonesia-hostage-operation/101987582

FEATURE NEWS
USP Council to meet today and tomorrow to address concerns expressed about human resource decisions and processes
The University of the South Pacific Council is expected to meet today and tomorrow to address concerns expressed about human resource decisions and pr...
3 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
LTA intensifies road safety campaign during this festive season following Navuniasi accident
The Land Transport Authority will ramp up road safety education and enforcement efforts during the festive season to curb reckless driving behaviour ...
16 minutes ago

Student in Ovalau allegedly found with marijuana
A student from a prominent school in Ovalau was found in possession of a branch of leaves believed to be marijuana, two weeks ago and is now under ...
19 minutes ago

No reports of individuals injecting drugs in coconuts or ‘bu’ - ACP Driu
Police have clarified that there are no reports of individuals injecting drugs in coconuts or ‘bu’. Assistant Commissioner of Police ...
55 minutes ago

Police urge community partnerships as drunken disorderly incidents highlighted ahead of festive season
As we approach the festive season, cases of drunkards roaming the streets and fighting have started to emerge from the towns and the Police Force ...
3 hours ago

People unite in fight against drugs: Stakeholders and communities called to action
The fight against drugs in our nation requires collaboration among stakeholders, the government, communities, and individuals to make a difference in ...
4 hours ago



fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Latest Videos

Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
yb
IN DEPTH
Doctor Alipate Vakamocea on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan
Fiji Medical Association President, Doctor Alipate Vakamocea will appear on fijivillage Straight Talk with Vijay Narayan The show will focus on ...
10 days ago

Mangal and Akauola on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan
Adult Teen Challenge Fiji Executive Director, Hemraj Mangal and Director, Matai Akauola appear on fijivillage Straight Talk With Vijay Narayan The ...
10 days ago

Sporting federations demand answers from FASANOC
National sporting federations who are part of Fiji Association of Sport and National Olympic Committee or FASANOC, are still calling for answers and ...
17 days ago

TOP