TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The New Zealand government has spoken out after its citizen and helicopter pilot Glen Malcolm Conning was killed, allegedly shot dead by an armed criminal group in Papua.

"It has been confirmed that New Zealand helicopter pilot, Glen Conning, has been killed in a remote part of Papua, Indonesia," a spokesperson for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade told Tempo via e-mail on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

The spokesperson, who declined to be named, said New Zealand consular officials and the New Zealand Police are in contact with the pilot’s family to provide assistance.

"We extend our sympathies to Mr. Conning's family, friends, and loved ones," the spokesperson said.

New Zealand, through the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta and a consular team in Papua, is liaising with Indonesian authorities to understand more about the circumstances surrounding Glen Conning's death.

The spokesperson did not respond further to Tempo's questions regarding Philip Mark Mehrtens, the Susi Air pilot and New Zealander who has been held hostage by the armed group in Nduga, Papua Pegunungan since February 2023.

"For privacy reasons, we are unable to comment further," said the spokesperson.

The attack occurred on Monday, August 5, 2024, at around 10:00 a.m. Central Indonesia Time. The armed group intercepted the helicopter departed from Moses Kilangin Timika Airport belonging to PT Intan Angkasa Air Service and shot the pilot, Glen Conning.

Upon landing in Alama, the pilot and his 4 passengers were forced off the aircraft and gathered on the runway. Conning was shot and his helicopter was burned.

Meanwhile, the passengers, comprised of two health workers, a baby, and a child, survived. All have returned to their respective homes.

Today, Glen Conning's body has been evacuated by the Cartenz Peace Operation to Timika District. The pilot’s body is currently undergoing post-mortem examination at Mimika Regional Hospital.

AMELIA RAHIMA SARI | JIHAN RISTIYANTI

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