Papua (BERITAPOLITIK.ONLINE) — The Indonesian government remains steadfast in its mission to secure the release of Philip Mark Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot held captive by an armed separatist group in Papua since February 7, 2023.
Mehrtens, affiliated with Susi Air, was abducted by the group led by Egianus Kogoya shortly after landing in Paro, Nduga district, Papua Pegunungan province.
Since assuming the role of Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Ministry of Polhukam) less than a month ago, Hadi Tjahjanto has taken swift action to explore avenues for Mehrtens’ freedom.
On February 21, 2024, a mere week after his appointment, Tjahjanto engaged in discussions with three leaders from Nduga.
During a meeting in Jakarta on February 28, Tjahjanto unveiled a plan aimed at liberating Mehrtens through a church-centered approach. This approach was selected considering the predominantly Christian and Catholic populace in Papua.
It is anticipated that employing this approach will enable the government to establish communication with the hostage-takers, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Numerous stakeholders have voiced their endorsement for the church-centered strategy, including Tjahjanto’s predecessor, Mahfud MD, who advocates for all government initiatives aimed at preserving human lives, such as Mehrtens’, through non-violent means.
Abdul Mu’ti, the general secretary of Muhammadiyah, one of Indonesia’s largest Muslim organizations, also extends support for the church-centered approach, recognizing its potential acceptance among the Papuan people.
Pastor Marthen Jenarut, the executive secretary for justice and peace of the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), emphasized the gravity of Mehrtens’ situation, stressing the importance of dialogue and discouraging repressive measures.
Arfin Sudirman, an international relations observer at Padjadjaran University, urges the Indonesian government to establish a realistic deadline for Mehrtens’ release while cautioning against hasty, high-risk actions that could jeopardize his safety and Indonesia’s global image.
Sudirman cites past instances where religion-based approaches facilitated hostage releases, underscoring the significance of Indonesia’s relations with New Zealand and the necessity for cooperative efforts devoid of political interests.
Vice President Ma’ruf Amin’s recent meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon reaffirmed the commitment to a persuasive approach in Mehrtens’ release, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and community involvement.
Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi conveyed the same message to New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters during a telephone conversation.
As the government persists in its endeavors, optimism remains high for positive outcomes in the quest to secure Mehrtens’ freedom.
