By: Yulius Mepare
The success of the operation to free Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens from the hands of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) is a concrete testament to the synergy between the Cartenz Peace Task Force and the Eagle IV Task Force.
The collaboration not only demonstrates the resilience of Indonesian security forces but also emphasizes a humanitarian approach aimed at minimizing casualties in a very complex situation.
The Cartenz Peace Task Force and the Eagle IV Task Force have played a significant role in formulating tracking and negotiation strategies to ensure the safety of the New Zealand pilot. The collaboration between the two task forces has proven effective, especially in facing the challenging geographical conditions of Papua.
The process of liberating Philip Mark Mehrtens through a humanitarian approach has been underway since the hostage situation began on February 7, 2023, when the Susi Air plane piloted by Mehrtens was attacked in a remote mountainous area of the Paro District, Nduga Regency.
Brigadier General Murbianto Adhi Wibowo, Head of Task Force Elang IV, revealed that his team has been tracking Philip’s whereabouts since the first day of the hostage situation. With a deep understanding of the terrain conditions, the Elang IV team focused on monitoring Philip’s presence and ensuring that he remained alive.
Despite various challenges, such as the steep mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather, tracking was successfully carried out accurately. The continuously updated reports from the Elang IV team to the Cartenz Peace Task Force allow the joint team to plan each negotiation step more thoroughly.
The synergy continues with the negotiation efforts carried out by the Cartenz Peace Task Force. Brigadier General Police Faizal Ramadhani, Commander of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force 2024, emphasized the importance of a soft approach in negotiations.
The Cartenz Peace Task Force prioritizes communication with religious leaders, traditional figures, and representatives of the family of Egianus Kogoya, the leader of the separatist group responsible for the hostage situation.
The approach successfully avoided the escalation of conflict and ensured the safety of Philip Mark Mehrtens. This mission not only emphasizes the importance of security but also prioritizes humanity by preventing casualties among both the authorities and civilians.
Through an approach that involves various community leaders in the Land of Cenderawasih, the Indonesian government has been able to create a more conducive dialogue pathway. This proves that negotiation strategies built on the foundation of understanding local culture and customary leaders hold significant power in mitigating conflicts.
The humanist approach developed by the Cartenz Peace Task Force became a key point in saving the life of the New Zealand pilot without excessive violence.
The success of the operation was also due to the full support from various agencies, including the National Intelligence Agency (BIN), the military (TNI), and the police (Polri), which are part of the Cartenz Peace Task Force and the Eagle IV Task Force.
The joint team consistently updates information regarding Philip Mark Mehrtens’ position, so that negotiation steps can be arranged accurately. In addition, the role of intelligence in understanding the movements of troublemaking groups in the region nicknamed Little Paradise at the edge of Indonesia is very important in planning operations with minimal risk.
On September 21, 2024, Philip Mark Mehrtens was finally released without any casualties. The pickup process was carried out in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency.
The combination of precise tracking strategies and intensive negotiations allowed the security forces to successfully complete their mission. The pilot who had been held hostage for 18 months was found in good health and was immediately flown to Timika for recovery.
The spokesperson for the Cartenz Peace Operation 2024, Police Commissioner Bayu Suseno, explained that the pickup was carried out very carefully. The joint team successfully evacuated Mehrtens in good condition and ensured he received adequate medical treatment upon arriving at the Brimob Mako in Timika. This success once again demonstrates the professionalism of the security apparatus in maintaining stability and security in the region nicknamed the City of Gold.
The important role of the Cartenz Peace Task Force and the Eagle IV Task Force in the liberation operation reflects Indonesia’s ability to handle separatist conflicts in a civilized and measured manner.
The humanistic approach taken by both task forces has yielded maximum results in a highly risky operation. The close collaboration between various parties, including security forces, community leaders, and the central government, shows that conflict resolution in Papua can be achieved peacefully without sacrificing lives.
Through strong synergy, the Cartenz Peace Task Force and the Eagle Task Force IV have provided a concrete example that security and humanity can go hand in hand. This success is not only a victory for the Indonesian government but also for the people of Papua who desire peace in their land.
That step has become a new hope for the future of the region known as the Little Paradise in Eastern Indonesia, where a dialogical and humanitarian approach will always be the primary choice in addressing various existing issues.
*) Senior Researcher on Papua Issues – Papua Mandiri Institute for Social and Political Studies