New Zealand Alerted to Potential Indonesian Revenge Following Pilot’s Release
There are fears that Indonesia might launch a military assault on a West Papua province, risking the lives of thousands, following the release of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens by West Papuan rebels.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has expressed concerns about a potential military response, although the Indonesian government has dismissed these fears as “baseless.”
West Papua, which has been a part of Indonesia since 1963, has witnessed ongoing conflict between local rebels and the Indonesian government.
Previously an independent nation after the Netherlands left the region, West Papua was invaded by the Indonesian military. In 1963, a U.N.-brokered agreement, without the input of West Papuans, designated the region as Indonesian territory, leading to sporadic fighting ever since.
Mehrtens spent almost 600 days in captivity under the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Nduga province before being released recently.
The TPNPB has alleged that the New Zealand government paid a ransom for his release, which Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has denied.
The ULMWP is worried that Indonesia may initiate a military strike in Nduga province, endangering the lives of many innocent individuals. Octovianus Mote, the Vice-President, urged the New Zealand government to monitor Indonesia’s actions in case they take action against West Papua.
Indonesia Denies Allegations
Despite these concerns, the Indonesian government felt embarrassed by the release, claiming they had attempted a failed rescue operation in March the previous year, resulting in casualties on both sides.
While Indonesia has denied planning an attack, past incidents indicate otherwise. In 1996, the Free Papua Movement kidnapped 26 individuals from the World Wildlife Fund, resulting in the death of two Indonesians. The remaining hostages were eventually released after five months, only for Indonesia to launch a large-scale retaliation.
According to a spokesperson from the Indonesian Embassy in Wellington, the government refutes the accusations, emphasizing their commitment to respecting and upholding human rights.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher stated his lack of awareness regarding the ULMWP’s concerns, acknowledging the challenging situation and respecting Indonesian sovereignty.
