By: Alvaro Hukubun)*
The release of Susi Air pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, which was successfully carried out by the government and all levels of security forces and various parties after almost twenty months of hostage-taking in Bumi Cenderawasih, received appreciation from various groups, including religious figures.
The New Zealand pilot was finally picked up by the former Acting Regent of Nduga, Edison Gwijangge, in Yuguru Village, Mebarok District, on September 21, 2024. The operation demonstrated the importance of collaboration between various parties in peace efforts, including the contribution of community and religious leaders in the area nicknamed the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
Pastor Eliaser Tabuni, Coordinator of Kingmi Nduga Church, expressed his deep appreciation to all parties involved in Philip’s release. According to him, this release operation cannot be separated from the big role played by women in Nduga.
During the hostage-taking, the women negotiated with the TPNPB militia group from the Ndugama-Derakma III Regional Defense Command in secret and succeeded in convincing the group to release Philip.
In addition to being negotiators, the women also played a vital role in caring for Philip during his captivity, ensuring that he remained safe and healthy. Reverend Eliaser acknowledged that the successful negotiation was not only a testament to their courage, but also demonstrated the power of love and humanity in resolving the conflict in the region dubbed the Little Heaven of Eastern Indonesia.
Not only religious figures, Susi Pudjiastuti, former Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, also gave appreciation for the success. According to Susi, Minister of Defense, Prabowo Subianto, who is also the President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia in the 2024 Election, also made a major contribution to the process of releasing Philip.
Prabowo’s role is considered very important, especially in supporting persuasive efforts and coordination between related agencies to end the hostage-taking. Susi sees the success as a real manifestation of the government and security forces’ commitment to maintaining the safety of every citizen and foreigner in Indonesian territory, including in the area nicknamed the Golden City.
Furthermore, the Head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT), Inspector General Pol. Eddy Hartono, gave special appreciation to all ranks of the TNI, Polri and BIN security forces for their extraordinary collaboration in the release operation.
According to him, the success was inseparable from the patience of the authorities in carrying out long negotiations with the Free Papua Movement (OPM). The security forces prioritized a humanitarian approach in an effort to free Philip, which finally yielded results without violence.
Eddy Hartono emphasized that the success showed that dialogue and persuasive approaches were more effective in resolving armed conflicts in Bumi Cenderawasih than through military action. He emphasized that the success of this operation was the result of hard work, dedication, and patience from all parties involved, especially the TNI and Polri officers.
In addition to appreciating the role of Nduga women, religious figures, and security forces, it is also important to understand that propaganda from troublemaking groups in the region nicknamed Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia often tries to distort the facts regarding the release.
The Free Papua Movement (OPM) often tries to lead public opinion that they are not directly confronting government forces in the hostage-taking case.
However, the narrative built by the separatist group is not in line with the facts on the ground. On the contrary, the success of negotiations carried out persuasively by religious leaders and local communities, with the support of the government and security forces, was the main key to the release of Philip Mark Mehrtens.
The humanitarian approach applied in the operation should also be an important lesson for future conflict resolution. Non-violent dialogue and negotiation have proven that such an approach can save lives and maintain stability in a region that is often the center of international attention.
The appreciation from various circles for the liberation operation reflects the success of the government, security forces, all parties involved and the community in overcoming the major challenges faced in the area nicknamed the Golden City.
The success also shows the importance of the role of women and religious figures in reducing conflict and promoting peace in Cenderawasih Land. Their contributions, which are rarely exposed in the media, must be recognized as one of the main factors that allowed the negotiations to run smoothly.
In the midst of difficult and risky conditions, they dared to take steps that prioritized compassion and humanity, which ultimately succeeded in touching the hearts of the members of the separatist group.
By reaching an agreement through peaceful dialogue and a persuasive approach, Philip’s release is not only proof of the success of diplomacy at the local level, but also provides a lesson for all elements of the nation about the importance of collaboration in resolving conflict.
Amidst various challenges and threats from terrorist groups that are enemies of the state, cooperation between the government, community leaders, religious leaders, and all other components of the nation remains the main key to maintaining peace and stability in the region that is often referred to as the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth.
Through the awards given to the various parties involved, it is hoped that this success can be an inspiration to continue to maintain the spirit of togetherness in protecting Bumi Cenderawasih from the threat of separatism and terrorism.
The humanitarian spirit that has been demonstrated by women in Nduga, security forces, and the government will always be an example in maintaining peace and stability in this region that is rich in beauty and natural resources.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta