Indonesia Dismisses Military Option to Free New Zealand Hostage in Papua
Jakarta. Indonesian Military Chief General Yudo Margono said on Wednesday he prefers peaceful means to rescue a pilot from New Zealand who has been taken hostage by the separatist group Free Papua Movement, or OPM, for almost two months now.
Yudo said the use of a military operation risks civilian casualties and could be politicized by the rebels.
Philip Mark Mehrtens, a pilot for Indonesian airline Susi Air, was abducted by fighters of the West Papua National Liberation Army, the military wing of the OPM, during an attack at Paro Airport in Nduga Regency in the Indonesian eastern province on February 7.
"We are ready for the rescue task but I will continue with the persuasive power with the help of religious and community leaders and also the local government,” Yudo told reporters at the military headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta.
“The Nduga regent asked me yesterday to stick to the persuasive approach. We can conduct a military operation and we have professional soldiers capable of doing just that, but it will risk casualties among civilians,” he added.
A military operation may also provide a political benefit to the abductors because if anything happens to the pilot, they can put the blame on the Indonesian Military.
"If I order a military operation, they will – as what I monitored from conversations – say just shoot him and let the military receive the blame," Yudo said without going into details.
A peaceful attempt to rescue the hostage may take a long time but he said that according to the latest photo released by the rebels, the pilot is in good condition.
“It’s not easy to reach the location, no land vehicles can go there. [The rebels] also took days to reach the location,” Yudo said.
Tags: Keywords:Related Articles
Dedi Mulyadi’s Proposal to Send Unruly Students to Military Barracks Sparks Human Rights Backlash
Dedi, who assumed office earlier this year, has garnered national attention and social media buzz for a string of unconventional policies.
Papua Militia Group Kills 11 Gold Miners: Reports
The group has issued a statement claiming responsibility for the attack but did not confirm the number of casualties.
Military Blames OPM-Affiliated Group for Attack on Teachers in Papua
The group that allegedly carried out the attack in Anggruk district was led by local separatist leader Elius Kogap, a spokesman said.
Papua Militias Kill Female Teacher, Injure Six: Authorities
The area where the attack took place has no police or military outpost, leaving it vulnerable to such incidents.
Public May Challenge Revised TNI Law, Says Minister
The public can seek a judicial review of the revised TNI Law, Minister Supratman said, addressing concerns over military-civilian roles.
DPR Approves Military Law Revisions, Expanding Active-Duty Roles in Civilian Posts
The DPR passed the revised TNI law, expanding active-duty roles in civilian posts and raising retirement age, sparking debate.
House Speaker Puan Maharani Defends TNI Law Revision Despite Public Outcry
Puan Maharani defends TNI law revision, rejecting concerns over military’s expanded role and closed-door deliberations amid public objection
Luxury Hotel Venue Adds Controversy to Military Law Discussions
"We must ensure that all participants get adequate rest in between marathon sessions," House Secretary-General Indra Iskandar said.
Two Members of Prabowo’s Cabinet to Resign from Military Amid Public Debate
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Colonel Teddy Indra Wijaya, who serves as cabinet secretary, is not required to leave the military.
Breaking Down the TNI Law Revision: Key Changes and Controversies
Indonesia’s military law revision sparks concerns over civilian supremacy as lawmakers push changes before the upcoming recess.The Latest
The Elderly, The Poor, and The Convert: The Chosen Few Answer the Call of Hajj
Poor, old, or newly converted—many Indonesians spend decades chasing the dream of Hajj. For some, 2025 is finally their moment
'Not in Our Name': Kadin Probes Alleged Intimidation in $1B Petrochemical Project
Kadin launches probe after viral video shows alleged extortion by local businessmen at Chandra Asri's $1 billion Cilegon project.
Review: ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ Proves Why the Franchise Never Dies
Unlike its characters, "Final Destination" manages to cheat death even after all these years.
Police Arrest 27 for Looting Palm Fruit from Central Kalimantan Plantation
In addition to looting, the suspects have burned a company security post and taken the firm’s security guards hostage, police said.
Indonesia’s Top Islamic Body Rejects Proposal to Legalize Casinos
An MUI leader said the casino issue is not merely legal but deeply rooted in moral and spiritual values.Most Popular
