The Indonesian battle has escalated considerably since 2018, with pro-independence fighters mounting deadlier and extra frequent assaults, largely as a result of they’ve managed to obtain extra subtle weapons.
The New Zealand overseas minister mentioned a spread of presidency businesses continued to work extensively with their Indonesian counterparts to safe Mehrtens’ launch.
The Indonesian authorities has beforehand mentioned it had prioritised negotiations with non secular and group leaders to free the pilot, noting the risks of a conducting a navy operation within the rugged highland space.
TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom joined the decision to launch Mehrtens, saying that no nation in historical past had gained independence by taking a hostage, however the extremely factionalised insurgent group is but to heed that recommendation.
The separatist group has launched video of Mehrtens a number of instances, asking the United Nations to mediate talks in direction of Papua’s independence. In one of many movies, he was seen holding the banned Morning Star flag and surrounded by Papuan fighters.
