Three new videos have been released that includes a New Zealand pilot taken hostage by separatists in Indonesia’s Papua region. They name for the United Nations to mediate within 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 landing in a distant highland area. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) claimed accountability for the kidnapping and said that the pilot wouldn’t be launched until the Indonesian authorities acknowledged the independence of West Papua.
The first proof of life footage after he was taken captive by Papua insurgents got here every week later. The video, launched by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), only confirmed that the pilot was alive and nicely. The three new movies contain calls for for motion.
In one video, Mehrtens is seen sitting in a jungle clearing surrounded by males. Some of the militants have guns and two are holding bows. The pilot is carrying beige trousers, a blue jacket, and a camouflage hat. He learn out a prepared assertion.
“OPM requests the United Nations to mediate between Papua and Indonesia to work towards Papuan independence. No overseas pilots are permitted to work and fly in Papua until Papua is independent”
It is unclear where and when the movies have been taken, however an OPM spokesperson mentioned they were shot on March 6. Become an insider showed separatists calling for an end to military 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 have been still looking for Mehrtens. He said Mehrtens’ launch can be negotiated by way of dialogue, with regulation enforcement as a final 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 center, a pawn in a political battle. In movies, he asked his employers to offer any salary he’s owed to his family for meals and payments. He informed his household that his captors had provided him with sufficient meals, water, medicine, and heat garments.
“Try to not worry about me. I am being taken care of as well as can be expected given the state of affairs. Hopefully, we may be together soon”