By: Ester Magai)*
Recently, the euphoria of the release of pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens who was held hostage by a separatist group in Papua has sparked debate about how the state faces the challenge of separatism in the region. This incident shows that separatist groups are still trying to disrupt security and stability in Papua. They use various means to express their dissatisfaction, including acts of violence that not only threaten the lives of citizens but also damage Indonesia’s international image.
The release of Philip Mark Mehrtens highlights the complexity of the situation in Papua, where armed groups continue to sow threats and fear among the people. However, the government, through diplomacy, negotiations and security measures, continues to try to address this problem with a diverse approach, including more inclusive development and improving the welfare of the Papuan people.
The release of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens proves that civil society involvement is key to resolving the conflict in Papua. Without a humanitarian and familial approach, hostage release efforts could be in vain.
Through a humanitarian approach, the former Regent of Nduga, Edison Gwijangge, actively lobbied with Egianus Kogeya, who was the Commander of the III Ndugama Regional War Command of the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM).
Together with traditional and religious figures in Nduga, Papua Mountains, they worked together to lobby Egianus to release the New Zealand pilot. The peaceful method proved effective in freeing the hostages.
National Police Chief, General Listyo Sigit Prabowo met with the hostage release team of Susi Air Pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, at the National Police Headquarters, South Jakarta. The National Police Chief expressed appreciation to the negotiators and all parties involved in the rescue operation of Captain Philip.
General Sigit emphasized that the rescue operation of Philip Mark Mehrtens highly prioritized the soft approach through negotiation efforts. The safety of the hostages is the main priority. He appreciated the team that used the Soft Approach. Alhamdulillah, the hostages were freed safely, healthily and safely.
Minister of Defense (Menhan), Prabowo Subianto said the hostage problem could be resolved without violence. This was done through good cooperation from all parties who made efforts. Of course, this good resolution without violence was the result of good cooperation from all elements.
Philip Mark Mehrtens was held hostage by the KKB for 1 year and 7 months. Philip was successfully evacuated by the hostage release team on September 21, 2024. At that time, the team returned from Yuguru Village and arrived in Mimika to report to the Mimika Police Chief that the Susi Air pilot had been released.
The hostage-taking of foreign nationals such as the Susi Air pilot also has significant international implications. New Zealand, as the pilot’s home country, is involved in the negotiation process and continues to monitor the development of this case. Incidents like this increase international attention to the situation in Papua, which is often considered an internal issue for Indonesia.
However, in the international context, Indonesia continues to assert that Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, and efforts to separate Papua are considered illegal. Indonesia has also repeatedly stated that any form of separatist movement in Papua has no legitimacy either under national or international law.
Since the reform era, Papua has received special attention from the government. Special autonomy (Otsus) given to Papua since 2001 is one of the government’s real efforts to strengthen Papua’s integration with Indonesia. Through the Otsus policy, Papua is given greater authority in managing natural resources, education, health, and other local policies. The government also continues to increase budget allocations for infrastructure development in Papua, such as roads, bridges, airports, and ports, in order to improve connectivity and accelerate economic growth in the region.
In addition, development in the integrated food sector is also an important concern for the government. The Papua Provincial Government (Pemprov) said that the development of an integrated food area (food estate) will certainly have a good impact but must be in accordance with the local Spatial Planning Plan (RTRW).
Meanwhile, the Head of the Papua Communication and Informatics Service, Jery Agus Yudianto in Jayapura, said that the development of food estates in Papua has a very positive impact on the local economy, but it must also be in accordance with the Papua Regional Long-Term Development Plan (RPJPD) 2025-2045. The development of the food area requires coordination and collaboration between the central government, regions and the community.
Papua is a legitimate and inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia, and this is non-negotiable. Separatist movements in Papua will only add to the suffering of local people who should be able to enjoy the welfare of the results of development. Indonesia as a sovereign country has an obligation to protect every inch of its territory, including Papua, from the threat of disintegration.
The government must remain vigilant and firm in taking action against all forms of separatism, but still prioritize a humane and peaceful approach. By prioritizing dialogue, development, and empowerment of the Papuan people, separatism can be suppressed and the welfare of the Papuan people will increase.
On the other hand, Indonesian people outside Papua also need to continue to support the integration of Papua with the Republic of Indonesia and uphold the spirit of unity and social justice for all Indonesian people. Papua is part of Indonesia, and all Indonesian people are obliged to maintain the sovereignty of this country together. There is no room for separatism in Indonesia, including in Papua.
)* The author is a student at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences