Papua independence rebels take a New Zealand pilot hostage

It was the military wing of the main Papuan rebel group that claimed responsibility for the hostage-taking. In a mountainous and isolated area, NLAW militants attacked a small plane of Susi Air, an Indonesian charter company, and set it on fire.

The New Zealand pilot was taken to the separatist headquarters. The five passengers on board were more fortunate: they were all quickly released, as they belonged to the Papuan ethnic group.

The rebel group Calls for Papuan independence It demands a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in return for the pilot’s release.

A land rich in resources

New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hepkins received initial information about the hostage-taking and made it clear that the embassy ” He was working on this issue He said on Radio New Zealand. Wellington Aware of the situation regarding the New Zealand pilot in Papua A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was providing consular support.

Former Dutch colony declared independence In 1961, but two years later, neighboring Indonesia took control of this region, rich in resources such as gold and copper. In a referendum, the majority of Papuans voted against independence, but this poll was widely seen as fraudulent. Since then, the Indonesian military has been controlling its province with an iron fist Regularly accused of serious human rights violations.

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