Nduga Hostage Crisis | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Part of Papua conflict | |||||||
Nduga Regency in Highland Papua, Indonesia | |||||||
| |||||||
Belligerents | |||||||
New Zealand | TPNPB-OPM | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Agus Subiyanto Izak Pangemanan Listyo Sigit Prabowo Mathius Fakhiri Faizal Ramadhani | Egianus Kogoya Army Tabuni † Yotam Bugiangge | ||||||
Units involved | |||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
1 New Zealander pilot abducted 15 soldiers killed | 11 killed | ||||||
4 civilians killed[ citation needed ] 162 civilians internally displaced |
The Nduga hostage crisis began on 7 February 2023 when Free Papua Movement (Indonesian : Organisasi Papua Merdeka, OPM) insurgents attacked a plane and took its pilot and all five passengers hostage. [1] [2] While the passengers were soon released, New Zealander pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens remains in captivity. [3]
On 4 February 2023, fifteen civilian workers building a puskesmas clinic for the District of Paro were threatened by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which alleged that some of them were spies of the Indonesian government, as some of them were allegedly not carrying their national identity cards. [4]
On 7 February 2023 at 06:17 a.m. WIT, a Pilatus PC-6 Porter aircraft with the registration number PK-BVY [5] belonging to Susi Air arrived from Timika to Paro airport, Nduga. Shortly after landing, it lost contact with air traffic control. [6] A search was conducted from the air, which soon sighted a burning aircraft. The fate of the New Zealand pilot and the Indonesian passengers (local Nduga Papuan; Demanus Gwijangge, Minda Gwijangge, Pelenus Gwijangge, Meita Gwijangge and an infant, Wetina W) was not known at this point. [7]
A few hours after the sighting, Indonesian military stated that it is likely that the passengers had been taken hostage by the OPM, who were also accused of setting the plane on fire. [8] On the same day, OPM spokesman Sebby Sambom confirmed these allegations, claiming that the operation was led by Egianus Kogoya, a local commander. [9] OPM stated that the passengers, who were Indonesian nationals, had already been released, but that the pilot would only be delivered if the Indonesian government recognised the independence of West Papua, [9] [10] and otherwise would be killed. [11] By then, the hostage had been taken further away from the area according to the organisation. [12] OPM considered New Zealand, Indonesia, Australia, Europe, and the United States to be responsible. In addition, OPM took hostage the workers who had been building the puskesmas clinic. [13] [14]
By 8 February, civilian workers had been evacuated from the area by the Indonesian National Police. [15] Units of police and army were deployed to evacuate the fifteen civilian workers with three helicopters. [16] The evacuation operation was slowed down by bad weather and had to be suspended, but was later completed. [17] In the evening of 8 February, the police claimed that all passengers of the plane had been evacuated. [18]
On 8 February the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation closed the airport down as the remains of the burned aircraft could not be moved and were blocking the runway. [19] On the same day Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Yudo Margono stated that previously they have warned Susi Air to not conduct flights to Nduga as the area is dangerous with minimal security forces. He also claimed not to have known that Susi Air had been regularly flying to Nduga. [20] This despite Susi Air having flown regular, scheduled flights to Paro District and nearby Kilmid District for years on a government contract for subsidized air services.
In the days following Mehrtens' kidnapping, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) deployed two battalions of the elite special forces Kopassus' Unit 81 counter-terrorism force to the southern Papuan city of Timika, which became a staging post for the rescue operation. The Indonesians evacuated thousands of people from around Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Lanny Jaya Regency, and Puncak in an effort to deny Kogoya's group community assistance. In addition, Indonesian troops blocked key positions in the Central Highlands in order to prevent Kogoya's brother Undinus from assisting Kogoya's group. [21]
On 14 February, members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), the armed wing of the OPM, released several photos and videos of the New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens to the Associated Press. The rebel spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that his group had released the five civilian hostages since they were indigenous Papuans. In their videos, the rebels reiterated their demand for West Papuan independence. [22] [23]
On 14 February, Indonesian coordinating minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Mohammad Mahfud confirmed that the Indonesian Government was working to secure Mehrtens' release and reiterated that West Papua was part of Indonesia. Papua police chief Mathius Fakhiri also confirmed that local authorities were working with tribal and religious community leaders to negotiate with the rebels. [22]
That same week, an Indonesian military spokesperson told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that Indonesian security forces were working to identify Mehrtens' exact location before attempting to rescue him. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) confirmed that it was working with the Indonesian Government and other agencies to secure Mehrtens' release and stated that his family had asked for privacy. [23]
By 17 February, Papua Police chief Inspector Matthius Fakhiri issued a statement that it believed they had identified the location where Mehrtens was being held hostage. Papua Police dispatched a negotiation team consisting of local politicians to make contact with TPNPB forces. [24]
On 23 February, Indonesian authorities claimed that Kogoya had offered to exchange firearms and ammunition for Mehrtens' release, and that the offer had been rejected. [25]
On 24 February, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua's (ULMWP) leader Benny Wenda called for Mehrtens' captors to release him. [26]
In late February 2023, Deakin University Emeritus Professor Damien Kingsbury was authorised by the TPNPB to serve as their intermediary with the New Zealand Government due to his previous work with Free Papuan groups. As intermediary, Kingsbury regularly liaised with a New Zealand Police hostage negotiator. Kingsbury's involvement in the hostage negotiation process ceased around late May 2023 after the New Zealand Government decided to use a new communication channel. The TPNPB did not accept this change of communication channel. [27]
On 1 March, Indonesian chief security minister Mahfud MD confirmed that Indonesian security forces had found the location of Kogoya's group but would refrain from conducting actions that might endanger the life of hostage Mehrtens. [28]
On 9 March, Senior Commander Faizal Ramadani, the Head of Cartenz Peace Operation, confirmed that Kogoya's group had rejected peace negotiations with the Indonesian authorities. [29]
On 10 March, TPNPB-OPM released a second video by Mehrtens urging foreign pilots to avoid flying and working in Highland Papua until West Papua is independent. [30]
By 17 March, Kogoya's men, still with Mehrtens, had retreated into West Papua's Central Highlands. Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Admiral Yudo Margono reiterated Indonesian authorities' commitment towards a peaceful solution, but declined an offer from New Zealand Ambassador Kevin Burnett to facilitate low-level negotiations between OPM intermediaries, local district officials and religious leaders. According to the Indonesian Police, Kogoya killed an eight-year-old boy after the child's father, a local village head, had refused to supply the group with food. [21]
On 22 March, Radio New Zealand reported that Jeffery Bomanak, the chair of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), stated that the group was willing to negotiate with both the Indonesian Government and TPNPB-OPM to secure the safe release of Mehrtens. Bomanak also urged Indonesia not to launch any military operations that could endanger Mehrtens' life. [31]
On 23 March, Indonesian security forces launched an offensive against Nduga's TPNPB-OPM group holding Mehrtens captive, prompting a response by the TPNPB-OPM. TPNPB-OPM condemned the attack as a violation of the New Zealand Government's request for non-violence. TPNPB-OPM claimed that one of its members had perished during the attack and claimed to have shot four Indonesian security personnel, killing one soldier and a police officer. [32]
On 12 April, a member of an armed group involved in the hostage crisis was arrested by Cartenz Peace Operation. [33]
On 26 April, Mehrtens' captors released a video statement by Mehrtens stating he was alive and well. Mehrtens also called upon the Indonesian Army to stop bombing the area to avoid endangering him. He claimed that he was being well-treated by his captors. Mehrtens also appeared to be wearing restraints around his neck and wrist. [34]
On 26 May, a new video by Mehrtens' captors was released, in which, Mehrtens revealed new information that if secession talks did not begin with Indonesia "within two months, then they say they will shoot me." New Zealand's foreign ministry commented that they were working closely with Indonesian authorities and deploying consular staff, to ensure a "peaceful resolution" and Mehrtens' "safe release". [35]
TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the organization has called off previous threats to execute Mehrtens if rebel demands were not met, as the TPNPB has considered Merhtens as "a friend and family". [36]
On 3 July, President Widodo stated that the Indonesian government "will continue to attempt negotiations" with the insurgents to release pilot Mehrtens. [37] On 9 July, the head of the Papua Regional Police, Mathius Fakhiri, stated that the Indonesian National Police and the Nduga Regency government has offered Rp5 billion (US$320,000) to the Kogoya group to ransom pilot Mehrtens, while refusing the insurgents' demands for weapons, ammunition, or total independence for Papua. [38] Kogoya refused the offer, refusing to accept any money from the Indonesian government.
On 9 August, New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins called for the immediate release of Mehrtens, stating that his safety was the top priority and that the six-month milestone was difficult for his family. [39]
On 16 August, three civilians: two native Papuan civil servants and one migrant from Sulawesi, were tortured and killed by the TPNPB in Nduga Regency. [40]
On 1 September, the TNI ambushed a TPNPB command base in Aluguru Village, Nduga Regency. In the engagement, three TPNPB fighters were killed. A number of firearms, ammunition, and documents were seized. [41] Later these men were identified as Ganti Gwijangge, Werak Lokbere, and Arikheba Kogeya. [42]
On 7 September, the Indonesian Police arrested a TPNPB member in Asmat Regency, South Papua, who withdrew Rp100 million (US$6,300) from a bank in order to buy supplies for Egianus Kogoya and his armed group. Another TPNPB member was arrested in Nabire Regecy, Central Papua, for supplying ammunition to Kogoya's group. [43]
On 15 September, Indonesian Military killed 5 members of Yotam Bugiangge's Armed Group from Nduga having fled to Yahukimo near Brazza River. [44] Initially considered member of Elkius Kobak's group (Kodap XVI Yahukimo), or Yahukimo locals, however later not recognized by Sebby Sambom and Elkius Kobak of TPNPB-OPM, [45] or by local tribal leader, Leo Ghiban, as local civilians. [44]
On 21 November, the New Zealand Foreign Ministry (MFAT) confirmed the authenticity of a new video of Mehrtens circulating on social media. The video showed Mehrtens surrounded by armed men claiming that he had been given two months to live before being shot dead. MFAT confirmed that it was working with Indonesian authorities and New Zealand consular staff to secure Mehrtens' release, and was supporting his family members in Indonesia and New Zealand. [46] In response, TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Akouboo Amatus Douw claimed that Mehrtens was alive and healthy, and that the video dated back to May or June 2023. He also said that the TPNPB wanted to release Mehrtens "very soon" but that his release depended on the New Zealand and Indonesian governments. [47]
On 27 December, Sebby Sambom speaking to BBC News Indonesia said TPNPB-OPM Headquarters did not authorised the release of new photo of Mehrtens and Egianus Kogoya. He also added, TPNPB-OPM leaders had agreed to release Mehrtens back in May, however this was rejected by Egianus Kogoya. [48]
On 5 February, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters reiterated calls for the release of Mehrtens. [49] [50] On 22 February, a shootout near Brazza River in Yahukimo, after the shooting of Wings Air flight IW 1646 on 17 February, resulted in the death of one member of Wosak Battalion (Yotam Bugiangge's group), [51] member of Ndugama-Darakma faction. [52]
On 3 April 2023, Private First Class Hamdan of the TNI was killed in action by the TPNPB when guarding the TNI post in Yal District, Nduga Regency. [53]
On 15 April, Private First Class Arifin of the TNI was killed in action by the TPNPB in Mugi-Mam, Nduga Regency. He was shot by the TPNPB and fell into a 15-metre deep ravine. [53] The evacuation of Private Arifin's body was complicated by TPNPB attacks and bad weather. [54] In response to his killing, TNI Commander Yudo Margono promised to evaluate the ongoing TNI operation to free pilot Mehrtens [55]
On 17 April, Stuff reported that members of the West Papua Liberation Army had attacked 36 Indonesian soldiers at a post in Nduga Regency (Mugi-Mam districts, 100 km north of Paro [56] ). At least six soldiers were killed and 21 others fled into the jungle. Nine soldiers were reportedly held captive by the rebels on 15 April. Indonesian military spokesperson Colonel Herman Taryaman confirmed that the soldiers were part of a group searching for Mehrtens and that Indonesian authorities were searching for about 30 missing soldiers. Rebel spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that the West Papua Liberation Army's fighters had carried out the attack in retaliation for the killing of two rebels during a shootout with Indonesian security forces in March 2023. Sambom called on the Indonesian Government to halt its military operations in West Papua in return for negotiations with the Indonesian and New Zealand governments, [57] and claimed thirteen Indonesian soldiers killed in the engagement. [56] On 18 April, TNI Commander Yudo Margono confirmed four Indonesian soldiers killed from the engagement (Private First Class Ibrahim, Private First Class Kurniawan, Private Second Class Sukra, and Private Arifin who was previously killed on 15 April), one missing, five wounded, and 26 in good condition with no injury. [58] [59] On 23 April, the last missing soldier, known only as Private First Class "F", was confirmed dead. [60]
On 30 May, an engagement between the TPNPB and the TNI in Nduga Regency resulted in the deaths of three Indonesian military personnel: Second Lieutenant Afriadi, First Sergeant Marlin and Master Private Sugeng, with two others wounded, Second Sergeant Hendry and Second Sergeant Wahyu. [61]
On 25 November, the TPNPB's Kodap III Ndugama attacked a TNI post of the 411/Pandawa Infantry Battalion of the Kostrad in Paro District, Nduga Regency. The attack killed four Indonesian soldiers: Master Private Ladou, Master Private Sinimoko, First Private Firdaus, and Second Private Dermawan. Three other Indonesian soldiers were wounded. [62] On 30 November, the post was attacked again by the TPNPB, resulting in the deaths of two other soldiers: First Private "S" and Second Private "P". [63]
The Free Papua Movement or Free Papua Organization is a name given to an independence movement based on Western New Guinea, seeking liberation of the territory from colonial Indonesian administration. The territory is currently divided into six Indonesian provinces of Central Papua, Highland Papua, Papua, South Papua, Southwest Papua, and West Papua, also formerly known as Papua, Irian Jaya and West Irian.
The Indonesian Air Force sometimes shortened as IDAF / IdAF, is the aerial branch of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. The Indonesian Air Force is headquartered in Jakarta, Indonesia, and is headed by the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Its order of battle is split into three Air Operations Commands. Most of its airbases are located on the island of Java. The Indonesian Air Force also has its ground force unit, called Air Force Quick Reaction Force Command (Kopasgat). The corps is also known as the "Orange Berets" due to the distinctive color of their service headgear.
PT ASI Pudjiastuti Aviation, operating as Susi Air, is a scheduled and charter airline based in Pangandaran, West Java, Indonesia. Sixty percent of the airline's operation serves commercial regular routes and pioneer routes while the rest is charter flights. The company currently operates from several main bases across the Indonesian archipelago. Susi Air is listed in category 2 by Indonesian Civil Aviation Authority for airline safety quality.
The Papua conflict is an ongoing conflict in Western New Guinea (Papua) between Indonesia and the Free Papua Movement. Subsequent to the withdrawal of the Dutch administration from the Netherlands New Guinea in 1962 and implementation of Indonesian administration in 1963, the Free Papua Movement has conducted a low-intensity guerrilla war against Indonesia through the targeting of its military, police, as well as civilian populations.
Kelly Kwalik was a senior separatist leader and military commander with the Free Papua Movement (OPM), a separatist organization based in Indonesia's Papua Province.
Terianus Satto is the Chief of the General Staff of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
On 18 December 2016, an Indonesian Air Force Lockheed C-130H Hercules crashed on Mount Lisuwa while approaching Wamena Airport in Wamena, Papua, Indonesia. The aircraft, which was flying a co-pilot training mission, was carrying twelve crew members of the Indonesian Air Force and one passenger. The aircraft was destroyed on impact; all thirteen occupants died.
The Nduga massacre was a shooting of construction workers that occurred on 1 December 2018, in Nduga Regency, Papua, Indonesia. The shooting is considered to be part of the Papuan conflict. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) acknowledged responsibility and the Indonesian government labeled the attack a massacre.
Operation Cartenz's Peace, formerly Operation Nemangkawi, is a joint-operation conducted by Indonesian National Armed Forces and Indonesian National Police to curb armed separatist rebels in Papua. According to Papua Regional Police head, Mathius Fakhiri, there are currently six active separatist groups located mainly in Papua highlands. While there are two groups which became less active or retired after Operation Nemangkawi. Tinggi Nambut faction under Goliath Tabuni were beaten in October 2018, and 10 members were subdued by Police. Goliath Tabuni moved to Gome District and presumed retired. Lanny Jaya faction under Purom Wenda became less active after Police operation in Balingga District and its headquarters in Kali Mau. Some members of this group left and "return" to Indonesia.
The West Papua National Liberation Army, officially referred to in Indonesia as the Armed Criminal Group, and after 2021, Separatist Terrorist Group, is a Western New Guinean insurgent group in Indonesia. It is the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement.
On 2 March 2022, gunmen of the Free Papua Movement attacked and killed eight workers at a Telkomsel telecommunications facility in Beoga, Puncak Regency, in the Central Papua province of Indonesia.
On 16 July 2022, a group of around 20 gunmen armed with long-barreled weapons and blades entered the Kampung of Nonggolait in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia. The attackers opened fire on a grocer, and then shot seven traders riding on a freight truck. Four bystanders were also shot.
The following is the broad timeline for major events in the Papua conflict.
The 2023 Oksibil attacks were conducted by the separatist West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) periodically on Oksibil, the seat of Bintang Mountains Regency, Highland Papua from 7 January to 12 January 2023. According to the Regional Police of Papua, the Bintang Mountains is one of 7 regencies that are vulnerable to separatist attacks.
Egianus Kogoya is a military commander of Free Papua Movement (OPM).
Major General I Gusti Putu Danny Nugraha Karya was an Indonesian major general who previously served as the Head of Regional State Intelligence Agency until his death in combat. He replaced the late Brigjen Abdul Haris Napoleon who at the time, was appointed Expert Staff for Ideology and Politics at BIN. Following Danny's death, Napoleon was subsequently reappointed as Kabinda and served until he passed away due to a heart attack in 2022.
Paro is a village located in Paro District, Nduga Regency, Highland Papua, Indonesia. The village is a site where Nduga hostage crisis took place.
Paro is a district situated in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua. Paro is the district's capital.
The Kiwirok bombings were a series of aerial bombardments carried out by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) against civilians in the Kiwirok district of the Bintang Mountains Regency of West Papua in October 2021.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)