West Papua: Rebel spokesperson admits he's had no updates on kidnapped New Zealand pilot in three months

livus, 8 months ago

From the article:

He said the New Zealand Government was putting its “hopes” in its Indonesian counterparts, but said the strategy was “hopeless” because the TPNPB don't trust the Indonesians.

Australian journalist John Martinkus, lived in Papua for two years and is in regular contact with leaders within the separatist movement.

Last month Martinkus claimed the TPNPB were at a point where they are tired of keeping Mehrtens but want a solution that involves them handing him over to a third party that is independent of the Indonesian army – who they believe will kill them.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade would not comment on Mehrtens’ condition, except to say his safety and wellbeing remains their top priority.

“We’re doing everything we can to secure a peaceful resolution and Phillip’s safe release, including working closely with Indonesian authorities.”

On August 10, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins made a direct appeal to the West Papua Liberation Army to release the Christchurch raised pilot....

The seeds of a rebel backlash began in 1969 when there was widespread resistance to Indonesian rule in the West Papuan province, leading the United Nations to oversee an independence referendum.

Called the Act of Free Choice, it was soon labelled the Act of No Choice after the Indonesian military hand-picked 1026 chiefs from the indigenous population as the only people allowed to vote on independence.

The chiefs voted to stay with Indonesia, but journalists discovered they and their families were bribed and threatened against voting for independence.

The independence issue has continued to simmer since, with little movement apart from rebel guerrillas being well resourced compared to 20 years ago.

Last November the United Nations Human Rights Council raised concern about rights violations in the region, including escalating violence between the Indonesian army and civilians, extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

The New Zealand army works with the Indonesian defence force on joint officer and non-combat training, humanitarian operations and at regional forums. There is also a formal arrangement with Indonesian police that allows better cooperation between both forces.