Indonesian Authorities Review OPM’s Initiative for New Zealand Pilot’s Freedom

JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian Cartenz Peace Task Force is actively examining a proposal issued by the Free Papua Organization (OPM), led by Egianus Kogoya, concerning the release of Philip Mark Mehrtens, a pilot for Susi Air.

Mehrtens has been held captive for over a year in the Papua region, an area plagued by ongoing conflict between the Indonesian government and separatist groups.

Senior Commissioner Police Bayu Suseno, the spokesperson for the Cartenz Peace Operation 2024, revealed that the proposal was published on September 17, 2024.

It designates facilitators for mediating the pilot’s release and indicates OPM’s willingness to engage in dialogue regarding the situation.

According to Suseno, the proposal aims to respond to various demands raised by different stakeholders, reflecting a shift in OPM’s approach.

“It is essential for us to review this proposal to ensure it represents a genuine effort to secure the pilot’s freedom,” he stated, underlining the importance of verifying its authenticity.

Philip Mark Mehrtens was abducted on February 7, 2023, shortly after his plane made an emergency landing in the remote highlands of Papua. The OPM claimed responsibility for the abduction, citing their goal of gaining international attention for their independence struggle. Since then, the pilot’s situation has become a focal point in the ongoing discussions about human rights and autonomy in the region.

Suseno noted that OPM has previously issued similar proposals that failed to materialize into actual actions.

“We remain cautious and need to confirm that this time is different,” he explained, emphasizing the necessity of thorough examination before proceeding with any negotiations.