Negotiation for New Zealand Pilot's Release With OPM Awaits Mediator
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6 July 2023 13:51 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesperson Rear Admiral Julius Widjojono stated that his side is offering figures who would become a mediator for negotiations with the Free Papua Organization (OPM) in the release of New Zealand pilot Philips Max Mehrtens.
“We are offering [figures] whom they trust,” Julius told Tempo on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
President Joko Jokowi Widodo earlier asserted that the government was striving to free the Susi Air pilot taken hostage by the Papuan rebel group through talks. “We will keep trying, negotiating. In fact, we have done a lot of efforts there, but I cannot disclose them here,” Jokowi said at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, East Jakarta, on Monday, July 3, 2023.
OPM spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, said they welcomed the negotiation.
Julius said the rescue operation prioritizes negotiations that have been getting more intense recently. However, TNI remains alert because the soldier's post is still being attacked by the armed separatist group.
According to Julis, the military troops mobilized in the field are in good cognition as logistical supplies are sufficient. “Logistics cannot win the battle, but without logistics, the battle cannot be won.”
Meanwhile, Sambom said his side has not yet decided who would be the mediator for the negotiations. OPM is still waiting for Jakarta to officially make a statement. “If Jakarta doesn't agree, we will wait,” Sambom told Tempo on Wednesday.
He refused to mention any demands that OPM would bring as a condition for the pilot's release. “Talks about demands usually take place at the negotiation table, not with the media. There will be meetings, negotiations, that’s where demands can be conveyed,” Sambom said.
Philips Max Mehrtens has been held hostage by the OPM since February 7, 2023. The armed group led by Egianus Kogoya also set fire to the Susi Air Pilatus Porter PC 6 aircraft that he was piloting after it landed at Paro Airfield, Nduga district, Papua Highlands province.
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