Jakarta, IO – The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNBP), the military wing of the Free Papua Movements (OPM) announced that they are ready to release Philip Mark Merthens, the Susi Air pilot they have been holding hostage since February 7, 2023.
The statement was issued ahead of February 7, or exactly one year since Philip was abducted by the armed rebel group. The release was said to be based on humanitarian reasons, per Kompas, Mon (5/2).
“The pilot from New Zealand who was detained by our troops under the leadership of Egianus Kogoya must be released for the sake of humanity based on international humanitarian law,” said TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom.
“There is no reason why the pilot should be detained until the end of the world. If we release the pilot with honour, then we will be respected by the international community, including the United Nations.”
“The dignity of the Papuan people’s struggle for independence will be elevated. However, if this pilot dies in detention, then we will be blamed by the international community,” he continued.
Sebby also stressed that they were not under anyone’s influence or direction with regard to the hostage taking.
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“There are those who say that the New Zealand pilot will be used as a bargaining chip for an independent Papua. If this pilot becomes a victim (dies) then it will legitimize Indonesia to stigmatize us as terrorists and criminals,” he reasoned.
So far, efforts to free the pilot has been left to the hand of Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force headed by police officer AKBP Bayu Suseno. Along with the local government, it has been involved in protracted negotiation with the group’s leader Egianus Kogoya. However, a hostage release deal has been elusive due to irreconcilable demands. (un)