Three new videos have been launched featuring a New Zealand pilot taken hostage by separatists in Indonesia’s Papua region. They call for the United Nations to mediate in the battle in the resource-rich region. Philip Mehrtens, who works for the domestic Susi Air service, was abducted by the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) last month after landing at an airstrip within the Nduga district.
The battle started on February 7, when separatist fighters took a New Zealand pilot hostage and set fire to a small business airplane after it made a touchdown in a remote highland space. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed duty for the kidnapping and said that the pilot would not be released until the Indonesian government acknowledged the independence of West Papua.
The first proof of life footage after he was taken captive by Papua insurgents came per week later. The video, released by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), solely confirmed that the pilot was alive and nicely. The three new movies include demands for action.
In one video, Mehrtens is seen sitting in a jungle clearing surrounded by men. Some of the militants have guns and two are holding bows. The pilot is wearing beige trousers, a blue jacket, and a camouflage hat. He read out a prepared statement.
“OPM requests the United Nations to mediate between Papua and Indonesia to work towards Papuan independence. No international pilots are permitted to work and fly in Papua until Papua is independent”
It is unclear where and when the videos have been taken, however an OPM spokesperson stated they have been shot on March 6. Another video showed separatists calling for an finish to army cooperation between Indonesia and several nations, together with New Zealand, Australia, the US, Britain, France, China, and Russia.
“Propaganda” is how the Indonesian navy commander in Papua described the movies. He said that authorities had been still in search of Mehrtens. He mentioned Mehrtens’ release would be negotiated through dialogue, with law enforcement as a last resort. The commander blew off OPM’s demand for UN mediation.
“There is no negotiation with terrorists by the state.”
Meanwhile, Mehrtens is caught within the middle, a pawn in a political battle. In movies, he requested his employers to offer any wage he is owed to his family for food and payments. Special advised his family that his captors had supplied him with enough food, water, medicine, and warm garments.
“Try not to fear about me. I am being taken care of as well as can be expected given the state of affairs. Hopefully, we can be together soon”