(Note. A lot of coverage in the media over the tragic death of Glen Conning. The Military have blamed the TPNPB however the TPNPB have denied it. Obviously more to come ..)
4 ) ‘Unlawful killing’ of New Zealand pilot in Papua must be investigated
The Government is asking how a New Zealand helicopter pilot came to be murdered by separatist rebels in Papua while saying it is still working on the “safe release” of another Kiwi chopper pilot held captive for nearly 18 months.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters today extended the Government’s sympathies to the “family, friends and loved ones” of Glen Malcolm Conning gunned down by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua after landing in an isolated area on Monday.
Now, the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta and a consular team on the ground in Papua, are liaising with Indonesian authorities to “understand more about the circumstances surrounding Mr Conning’s death”, said a spokesperson for Peters.
”We remain deeply concerned about the volatile situation in Papua and New Zealand’s official travel advice has for some time warned against non-essential travel due to civil unrest and the threat of kidnapping and violence. This is in line with our close consular partners such as Australia and Canada,” the spokesperson said.
It comes nearly 18 months after the abduction by rebels of Kiwi pilot Phillip Mehrtens, who remains in captivity.
The New Zealand Government has repeatedly called for him to be freed immediately and the group has released videos of him multiple times seeking mediation in talks, one with him surrounded by Papuan fighters.
Peters’ office today said they are still working on getting him home.
Conning, an experienced South Island helicopter pilot who helped fight recent Christchurch, Port Hills fires, was flying for Indonesian aviation company Intan Angkasa Air Service.
The gunmen, who let local passengers go, including two health workers and two children, were allegedly from West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement.
West Papua Liberation Army spokesman Sebby Sambom told the Associated Press he had not received any reports from fighters on the ground about the killing but that it would’ve been Conning’s “own fault for entering our forbidden territory”.
”We have released warnings several times that the area is under our restricted zone, an armed conflict area that is prohibited for any civilian aircraft to land,” Sambom told AP.
Indonesian security forces who are hunting the attackers recovered Conning’s body yesterday.
This morning, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) said that they “mourn Conning’s death” and “do not want any more bloodshed on West Papuan land”.
In a statement last night, Conning’s family said he was “the most caring and loving husband and dad to his girls” and was “truly loved” by his family and friends.
”When he wasn’t flying, he cherished spending time with his family and friends, and being in the outdoors,” the family said.
”Our hearts are broken from this devastating loss. We appreciate the love and support we have received.”
A low-level battle for independence from Indonesia has raged in the resource-rich western half of Papua, where attacks by independence fighters have grown deadlier and more frequent as they have procured better weaponry.
Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.
Kurt Bayer is the NZ Herald South Island Head of News based in Christchurch. He is a senior journalist who joined the Herald in 2011.
The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has condemned the reported killing of New Zealand helicopter pilot Glen Malcolm Conning in Alama, Mimika Regency
“If true, I condemn this killing in the strongest possible terms,” said President Wenda.
“We mourn Conning’s death and do not want any more bloodshed on West Papuan land.”
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) denied responsibility for Conning’s death, claiming that Indonesia ignored warnings and a civilian flight ban.
“Indonesia intentionally put this pilot in danger by allowing him to fly into a conflict zone,” sources stated.
“They have indirectly caused his death by breaching the restricted zone to entrench their occupation of the Highlands.”
President Wenda emphasiSed that West Papuans are peaceful and seek global awareness of their plight.
“We have fought for a decade for a UN Human Rights visit to West Papua, which Indonesia continues to deny.”
Despite mourning Conning’s death, the ULMWP welcomed the TPNPB’s announcement to release detained New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens.
TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that Egianus Kogoya’s faction will free Mehrtens, though it might take two months.
“This is the right and humane thing to do,” Wenda said.
“The blood of an innocent man should not be shed on Papuan land.”
Wenda urged all parties to ensure Mehrtens’ safe release, warning Indonesia not to interfere or exploit the situation.
“Safe passage, reduced troop presence, and logistical coordination are essential,” he said.
Throughout Mehrtens’ detention, Indonesia has resisted outside aid and peaceful negotiations for his release. The West Papua Council of Churches stated that Indonesia should have withdrawn troops from impacted regions to facilitate his release. Instead, Indonesia deployed more troops, bombed Nduga, and intensified military occupation, worsening conditions for civilians.
“The occupier never wastes an opportunity,” Wenda said.
“Since the kidnapping and Indonesia’s ‘combat alert’, there have been more arbitrary arrests, killings, and mass displacement. This fits Indonesia’s strategy to expel Papuans and transform our land into mines and plantations.”
The ULMWP called for global awareness of the ongoing situation. “Tens of thousands of West Papuans have been displaced, and hundreds killed since Mehrtens was detained,” Wenda stated.
“Indonesia has refused a diplomatic solution to his detention, barred the UN from investigating human rights, and denied international journalists access.”
The ULMWP extended condolences to Conning’s family.
“We do not want Indonesia to use this as a pretext to send more troops to West Papua,” Wenda said. “Our commitment remains to a peaceful diplomatic strategy for West Papuan liberation through international political forums,” he said.
4 ) ‘Unlawful killing’ of New Zealand pilot in Papua must be investigated
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Glen Malcolm Conning during this difficult time. This unlawful killing is a grave breach of humanitarian law.
“Civilian protection is a fundamental principle that must be always upheld, and the deliberate targeting and killing of civilians is categorically unacceptable. All parties involved in the prolonged conflict in Papua should avoid killing civilians.
We call on Indonesian authorities to immediately investigate this crime, including by doing forensic examination to the body, and bring the perpetrators to justice. It is imperative that those responsible for this unlawful killing are held accountable and that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.”
Background
According to media reports which have quoted the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand pilot for Intan Angkasa Air Service, was killed by an armed group upon landing in Alama District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, on 5 August 2024.
According to the task force’s statement, Conning was then killed, and his body was taken to the helicopter and subsequently burned along with the helicopter. However, some credible sources from Amnesty International Indonesia refute the statement that Conning’s body was burned, showing several photos indicating that the victim’s body was still intact, and the helicopter was not burned either.
Amnesty International Indonesia recorded five cases of shootings at civilian aircraft allegedly carried out by pro-independence armed groups in Papua from 16 February to 2 August 2024. The highest number of cases occurred in February, with three incidents.
According to media reports, the Papuan pro-independence armed group (TPNPB-OPM) alleged that the Indonesian army often uses civilian aircraft to transport troops and military supplies to conflict zones in Papua. As a result, civilian aircraft entering these areas become targets for the group’s attacks.
Civilians in Papua, including indigenous people, have been long-suffering through heavy military operations which have resulted in unlawful killings by both state and non-state armed groups, torture and other ill-treatment, internally displaced persons and other human rights violations. Between 1 January 2018 and 5 August 2024, Amnesty International Indonesia has recorded 130 unlawful killings and a death toll of at least 240 civilians.
Another New Zealand national, Phillip Mehrtens, has been held captive since 7 February 2023 by an armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), led by Egianus Kogoya. The Susi Air pilot was taken hostage after landing a small commercial plane in the remote and mountainous area of Nduga.
The group has threatened to harm the New Zealand national if talks regarding Papuan independence were not initiated. Since the hostage-taking the government deployed more security forces. From February 2023 to April 2024, the government had deployed 6,773 military and police personnels to Papua.
Hostage-taking violates basic humanitarian principles and international treaties, including common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which protects civilians and prohibits torture and inhumane treatment. It also contravenes the 1979 Convention against the Taking of Hostages, which criminalizes such acts by state and non-state actors. Additionally, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) safeguards individuals’ rights to liberty, security, and protection from inhumane treatment. (*)
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