3) Allegations of civilian abuse and home burning by TNI spark tensions in Ilaga
4) TPNPB claims to attack military command in Dekai
5) Men shot in Yahukimo identified as Babinsa members, investigation ongoing
6) TPNPB reportedly damages major road in Intan Jaya
7) OPM Vows to Free New Zealand Pilot through UN Jurisdiction
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https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-02-07/west-papua-rebel-group-orders-armed-faction-to-release-pilot/103439786
1) West Papua rebel group orders armed faction to release kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens
Posted 7h ago
- In short: The central command of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB ) has ordered its armed faction to released New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens a year after he was kidnapped.
- The group is highly factionalised and local police are skeptical that the military wing of the organisation, who operate in the Indonesian province's remote jungle, will obey the command.
- What's next? A TPNPB spokesperson said a team would be sent to communicate with the leader of the armed faction.
A rebel group in Indonesia's eastern region of Papua has ordered its armed faction deep in the jungle to release a New Zealand pilot who has been held hostage for the past year.
An armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Egianus Kogoya kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens a year ago when he landed a small commercial plane in Papua's remote and mountainous area of Nduga.
The central command of TPNPB said in a statement on Wednesday it would release the New Zealander to "protect humanity and… human rights", without citing any specific timing.
"TPNPB will return the pilot [Mr Mehrtens] to his family through the jurisdiction of the Secretary General of the United Nations," Terianus Satto, the chief of group's general staff, said in the statement.
TPNPB spokesman Sebby Sambom said an order for the pilot's release had been issued and a team would be sent to communicate with Egianus Kogoya, who was expected to follow the order or face court martial.
However, the Papua rebel group is highly factionalised and it was unclear if Egianus Kogoya would agree to the command.
A rebel group in Indonesia's eastern region of Papua has ordered its armed faction deep in the jungle to release a New Zealand pilot who has been held hostage for the past year.
An armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Egianus Kogoya kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens a year ago when he landed a small commercial plane in Papua's remote and mountainous area of Nduga.
The central command of TPNPB said in a statement on Wednesday it would release the New Zealander to "protect humanity and… human rights", without citing any specific timing.
"TPNPB will return the pilot [Mr Mehrtens] to his family through the jurisdiction of the Secretary General of the United Nations," Terianus Satto, the chief of group's general staff, said in the statement.
TPNPB spokesman Sebby Sambom said an order for the pilot's release had been issued and a team would be sent to communicate with Egianus Kogoya, who was expected to follow the order or face court martial.
However, the Papua rebel group is highly factionalised and it was unclear if Egianus Kogoya would agree to the command.
Video
Benny Ady Prabowo, a spokesperson for the Indonesian police in the Papua province, said he had not been informed about such release and was skeptical.
"We suspect they raised the issue to seek attention," he said.
A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand continues to work with all parties on securing Mr Mehrtens's safe release, but declined further comment.
A low-level but increasingly deadly battle for independence has been waged in the resource-rich western half of the island of Papua since it was controversially brought under Indonesian control in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969.
Indonesia had sent troops to try to free Mr Mehrtens last year, but later chose to negotiate with the rebel group, an operation that authorities say is still ongoing.
Reuters
Posted ——————————————————The release below was Posted on AWPA FB page
2) Press Release TPNPB-OPM Central Command Headquarters on FEBRUARY 7, 2024
PRESS RELEASEToday February 7, 2024, is the one-year-old detention of the Air Susi Airplane pilot from New Zealand, Philip Max Mehrtens, who was detained by the West Papua National Liberation Army - the Free Papua Organization, the Regional Defense Command III Ndugama Darakma under the Regional Commander-in-Chief Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya on February 7, 2023, during the national liberation war "War of National Liberation" against the Indonesian government in the West Papua Territory.We affirm that the struggle of the West Papua National Liberation Army - Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) is an Act of International Law Enforcement that guarantees the Right of the Papuan Nation to self determination based on an Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at the Headquarters of the United Nations on August 15, 1962 and recorded under General Assembly Resolution Number 1752 (XVII) 1962 of the United Nations, September 21, 1962.The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) using this "War of National Liberation" is based on the history of manipulation of legal rights for the self-determination of the people of West Papua and the history of violations of international law related to the status of the West Papua Territory. Historical facts prove that the legal status of the West Papua territory under International Law is a territory that has been sovereign and independent in 1961, therefore the TPNPB has the right to maintain sovereignty in order to enforce international law that is guaranteed in accordance with the United Nations Charter "Self-defence".Thus, in the context of the one-year detention of the New Zealand Citizen Susi Air pilot, Philip Max Mehrtens, who was detained by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization, Defense Regional Command III Ndugama Darakma under Regional Commander Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya, then we from the National Command Central Headquarters, the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization as the higher authority of the military organization in West Papua issued an official statement that:1. The West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization holding a pilot from New Zealand hostage is not actually the main target, but a guarantee of the Indonesian Government's Violation of allowing Civil flights to enter the war area between the TPNPB-OPM (Milter of the Papuan Nation) and the Indonesian Military;2. The hostages took place according to the standards of the law of war. Pilot Philip Max Mehrtens landed his plane in a war zone using the Susi Air airline which was subsidized by the Indonesian Government with the Pioneer Operations program. TPNPB-OPM Ndugama Darakma suspects that the New Zealand Pilot is carrying out a pioneering operation task which is an Indonesian Intelligence operation to destroy the struggle of the Papuan nation and spy on the movement of the West Papuan National Liberation Army (TPNPB);3. We announce that in one year the Government of the State of Indonesia and the Government of the State of New Zealand are unable to open up to Peace Negotiation with the Papuan nation in the context of the release of Pilot Philip Max Marthens who is a New Zealand citizen who was detained by TPNPB-OPM;4. We condemn President Jokowi and the Indonesian illegal Government in West Papua who are unable to answer the demands of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) of the Defense Regional Command III Nudgama Darakma and are also unable to accept the offer of Peace Negotiations with the Management of the West Papua National Liberation Army National Liberation Army (KOMNAS TPNPB) headquarters for the release of the Pilot for one year. And also to the New Zealand Government who still does not want to accept a good offer from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the release of the Pilot. Both countries have failed in their efforts to seek release through peaceful ways, still underestimate the goodwill efforts of TPNPB – OPM;5. We are disappointed with Melanesian countries that have never paid attention to humanitarian crises including the release of New Zealand Pilot and the armed war categorized as part of the international armed conflict character, which has been going on for too long in the Pacific region. This is the failure of Pacific regional governments such as MSG and PIF that are not in accordance with the humanitarian norms of the lives of the indigenous people of the islands in the Pacific, and the West Papuan nation invites countries in the Pacific region to be a solution for the safety and release of Pilot from the rotten intentions of Indonesia who are trying to victimise this Pacific citizen from New Zealand;6. The Management of the Central Headquarters of TPNPB gave the highest appreciation to the Commander of the TPNPB Regional Defense Command III Ndugama Darakma and the Troops for being able to carry out the noble task of ensuring international humanitarian law in war in accordance with the "1949 Geneva Convention III related to the protection of prisoners of war and the IV Geneva Convention on protection of civilians". This is the proof and reputation of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) because it has proven to be treated well, guarantee health and save Pilot Philip Max Martherns from the deadly attack of the Indonesian military. Therefore, through the Central Headquarters Management of National Command of TPNPB OPM will grand awards for the dedication, sacrifices and extraordinary work carried out by all TPNPB Regional Command III Ndugama Darakma troops;7. In order to protect humanity and ensure human rights, the Management of the Central Headquarters of the National Command, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) will return the pilot Philip Max Martherns to his family through the Jurisdiction of the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN).Thus, we convey this Press Release with full responsibility on behalf of the Papuan nation, so that it is known by all Parties. Thank you.Issued at Central HeadquartersOn February 7, 2024WEST PAPUA NATIONAL LIBERATION ARMYCENTRAL HEADQUARTERS COMMANDOn behalf of HIGH COMMANDERCHIEF OF GENERAL STAFFMajor General TERIANUS SATTONRP: 7312.00.00.0032Press Release TPNPB-OPM Central Command Headquarters on FEBRUARY 7, 2024--------------------------------
Benny Ady Prabowo, a spokesperson for the Indonesian police in the Papua province, said he had not been informed about such release and was skeptical.
"We suspect they raised the issue to seek attention," he said.
A spokesperson for Foreign Minister Winston Peters said New Zealand continues to work with all parties on securing Mr Mehrtens's safe release, but declined further comment.
A low-level but increasingly deadly battle for independence has been waged in the resource-rich western half of the island of Papua since it was controversially brought under Indonesian control in a vote overseen by the United Nations in 1969.
Indonesia had sent troops to try to free Mr Mehrtens last year, but later chose to negotiate with the rebel group, an operation that authorities say is still ongoing.
Reuters
https://en.jubi.id/allegations-of-civilian-abuse-and-home-burning-by-tni-spark-tensions-in-ilaga/
3) Allegations of civilian abuse and home burning by TNI spark tensions in Ilaga
News Desk 7 February 2024
Nabire, Jubi – The Puncak Ilaga Command of The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has accused the Indonesian Military (TNI) of burning civilian homes and assaulting civilians, resulting in one death and two severe injuries.
Puncak Ilanda Commander of the TPNPB, Numbuk Telengen, reported to Jubi in a phone call on Sunday, February 4, 2024, that the TNI was conducting a pursuit operation against TPNPB members who had seized weapons earlier.
Previously, TPNPB members managed to seize weapons at Amenggaru Ilaga Airport. Failed to find TPNPB members, the TNI allegedly tortured three civilians and set fire to civilian homes.
“One civilian was tortured and died, while two other civilians who were tortured by security forces are still being treated at home,” TPNPB Spokesperson Sebby Sambom claimed to Jubi in a WhatsApp message on Monday.
Sambom claimed to have received an official report regarding the incident from TPNPBleaders in Ilaga.
Sambom said that the TNI also participated in burning down civilian homes in Kepala Air Kali Ila’s Agayome and Yenggerenok villages. In addition, Sambom said, a pastor named Eriak Waker and his congregation were interrogated and physically abused.
“We consider that the TNI has violated humanitarian law by not pursuing the TPNPB but instead assaulting civilians, pastors, and burning down the people’s houses,” he said.
Previously reported, joint TNI and police forces claimed to have killed one TPNPB member named Warinus Murib in a shootout between them and the TPNPB following the burning incident of the Omukia Health Center in Omukia District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua Province on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
“In that incident, the security forces also managed to capture two individuals suspected of being part of the TPNPB group with the initials AM and DK, both were injured,” said spokesperson of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force Adj. Sr. Comr. Bayu Suseno on Sunday.
According to Bayu, in the shooting, joint forces also managed to seize several pieces of evidence belonging to the TPNPB group in the Kepala Air area led by Jacky Murib, such as firearms, Morning Star flags, and ammunition. (*)
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https://en.jubi.id/tpnpb-claims-to-attack-military-command-in-dekai/
4) TPNPB claims to attack military command in Dekai
News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 7 February 2024
Nabire, Jubi – Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Sebby Sambom has stated that his group is responsible for the attack that occurred on Siep Asso Road, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency on Monday (5/2/2024).
In a press release on Tuesday, Sambom stated that they had received an official report from the Yahukimo Commander of the TPNPB, Elkius Kobak, who declared they had attacked on the Military District Command headquarter in Dekai.
“Elkius Kobak and his troops are responsible for the attack. The TPNPB’s assault on the military command was carried out on February 5 at 8.40 p.m. Papua Time,” he said.
Sambom claimed that there were four fatalities in the attack. “The TPNPB forces managed to kill four people, three TNI members, and one intelligence officer,” he said.
The casualty data provided by Sambom differs from the information provided by security forces. On Tuesday, the spokesperson of the Papua Police, Comr. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, stated that the attack resulted in two injured TNI soldiers and one injured civilian. (*)
5) Men shot in Yahukimo identified as Babinsa members, investigation ongoing
News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 7 February 2024
Jayapura, Jubi – The Acting Deputy Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan, stated that two personnel who got shot on Siep Asso Road, Dekai District, Yahukimo Regency on Monday (5/2/2024) were members of the Babinsa (Village Development Facilitator) at 1715-06/Dekai Military District Command.
This statement was made by Candra regarding the attack carried out by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) near the Dekai Military District Command Headquarter.
“The attack and shooting by the TPNPB did occur,” said Candra on Tuesday.
According to Candra, there were three injured victims, a civilian named DN who was shot, and two TNI soldiers, First Sgt. RSA and First Pvt. SAL. The attack occurred around 8.45 p.m Papua time.
Candra stated that the three victims are currently receiving medical treatment at Marthen Indey Hospital in Jayapura City.
“DN is being treated for gunshot wounds to the abdomen and leg. Meanwhile, First Sgt. RSA has gunshot wounds to the right calf and left knee, and First Pvt. SAL has gunshot wounds to the abdomen,” he said.
Candra declared that security forces are currently investigating and pursuing the perpetrators of the attack. “This incident began when the three victims, who were standing in front of a house, were suddenly attacked and shot by individuals riding motorcycles, after which the perpetrators fled,” he said. (*)
6) TPNPB reportedly damages major road in Intan Jaya
News Desk - Armed Conflict In Papua 7 February 2024
Jayapura, Jubi – The armed group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) reportedly damaged a major road connecting Sugapa District to Hitadipa District in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, on Sunday (4/2/2024).
This was stated by the Acting Deputy Head of Information of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan, in a written press release on Monday (5/2/2024).
“We received information that the TPNPB intentionally disrupted access to the trans road by excavating an approximately 1.5-meter wide and 2-meter deep trench on Mbomogo Village,” said Candra.
Candra said the road damage hindered access and disrupted the daily activities of the local community. He stated that the central government and local governments are committed to developing Papua in various sectors, including infrastructure, which is claimed to be well-received among the Papuans.
“This is evident from the high participation of the Papuan community in development, which shows that the Papuan people aspire to live in a more advanced and prosperous society,” said Candra.
The escalation of armed conflict in Intan Jaya Regency has been ongoing since the exchange of fire between the TPNPB and joint Indonesia Military (TNI) and police forces on January 19, 2024. In the shootout, a personnel member of the Cartenz Peace Operation named Second Brig. Alfandi Steve Karamoy and five others died, and two were injured. (*)
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https://en.tempo.co/read/1830913/opm-vows-to-free-new-zealand-pilot-through-un-jurisdiction
7) OPM Vows to Free New Zealand Pilot through UN Jurisdiction
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua National Liberation Army of Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM) announced in its latest release that New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, who has been held hostage since the past year, will be freed to protect humanity and human rights. However, they did not mention the date.
“We will return [the pilot to his family] through the jurisdiction of the Secretary General of the United Nations,” said the TPNPB Chief of General Staff Terianus Satto in his statement received by Tempo on Wednesday, Feb. 7.
In its release, the OPM also published several recent photos of the Susi Air pilot has been abducted by the OPM Regional Defense Command III Ndugama Darakma led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7, 2023.
According to Terianus, Mehrtens was not their primary target. The pilot was used as collateral for the Indonesian government's violation of allowing civil flights into the OPM area in Nduga Regency.
According to Terianus, TPNPB-OPM suspected that the pilot was carrying out a pioneer operation which was an Indonesian intelligence operation to spy on TPNPB movements.
“The Indonesian and New Zealand governments have been unable to open up peace negotiations with the Papuan people for the release of the pilot for the past year,” said Terianus.
TPNPB-OPM also threatened President Joko Widodo or Jokowi and the Indonesian government in West Papua for failing to meet their demands for the release of the pilot. “The New Zealand government doesn't want to accept TNPB's generous offer,” he said.
ADVIST KHOIRUNIKMAH
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