By: Victor Yoku *)
The Free Papua Organization (OPM) is reported to have taken hostage and murdered the helicopter pilot belonging to PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, Glen Malcolm Conning, who is a New Zealand citizen in Mimika Regency, Central Papua, on Monday, August 5 2024. In response to In this incident, the Republic of Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission condemned and asked the security forces to provide measurable law enforcement, considering the loss of life that continues to fall due to OPM’s brutal actions.
The chairman of the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission, Atnike Nova Sigiro, said that attacks on helicopter pilots and passengers as well as other civilians were acts that undermined peace efforts in Papua. In addition, Komnas HAM asked the government to take steps to protect and restore victims and their families, as well as ensuring the security of civilians in Papua, especially in the face of violent situations like this.
The shooting of the New Zealand pilot carried out by the Free Papua Organization (OPM) group adds to the long list of acts of violence that occurred in Papua. This incident is clear evidence that OPM not only threatens security stability in the region but also commits serious human rights violations.
This incident occurred amidst increasing escalation of violence by the separatist group, which increasingly shows disregard for human values. The shooting of a foreign citizen, who was carrying out his duties, is an act that not only violates international law, but also threatens the image of Papua as part of the sovereign state of Indonesia.
This action cannot be underestimated because it involves a pilot from another country, who should receive protection and security guarantees. OPM, which claims to be fighting for Papuan independence, has carried out various acts of violence which have not only harmed the local community but also damaged Indonesia’s diplomatic relations with friendly countries. This shooting is a form of terror that must be condemned by the international community.
Previously, the Head of Cartenz 2024 Peace Operations, Brigadier General Pol. Faizal Ramadhani confirmed the murder of Pilot Glen Malcolm Conning. Faizal stated that OPM left the victim’s body in an IWN, MD.500 ER PK helicopter in Alama District, Mimika Regency. A team of security forces moved quickly and evacuated Glen Malcolm Conning’s body from the scene to Mimika Regional Hospital.
As an organization that claims to fight for the rights of the Papuan people, OPM often carries out actions that are contrary to human rights principles. OPM often uses violence as a tool to achieve its political goals, without taking into account the negative impacts it has on the Papuan people. Many civilians have become victims of this brutal action, which only worsens the security and welfare conditions in Papua.
These human rights violations by OPM not only have an impact on direct victims, such as the New Zealand pilot, but also on Papuan society as a whole. The instability caused by OPM’s actions causes fear, trauma and a decline in the quality of life for Papuans who actually long for peace and development.
One of the health workers, Maya, who was a passenger in a helicopter belonging to PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, piloted by Glen Malcolm Conning, shared a story about the shooting that occurred when the helicopter landed in Alama District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua.
Maya said that after hearing the first shot, Maya and the other passengers immediately got out of the helicopter and ran. The shot was heard coming from below, and Maya initially thought it was just a warning shot. However, as he continued running, several gunshots were heard again, but Maya could not confirm the number. Maya managed to survive the incident, while the pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, died after being shot by OPM.
This experience left deep trauma for Maya and the other passengers. This tragedy raises concerns about the security and safety of local civilians.
The government has taken firm steps in handling this case. Strong law enforcement will be carried out against the perpetrators of the shooting and punished in accordance with applicable regulations. Apart from that, the protection of foreign nationals working in Papua is a serious concern, in order to avoid a recurrence of similar incidents in the future.
The international community is expected to participate in condemning OPM’s actions and providing support to Indonesia in its efforts to uphold security and justice in Papua. Human rights violations must not go unpunished, especially when they are committed by groups that claim to be fighting for freedom.
In facing this challenge, all components of the nation must unite to maintain the integrity and sovereignty of the country. Papua is an integral part of Indonesia, and all forms of efforts to undermine national unity must be dealt with firmly. The shooting of the New Zealand pilot carried out by the OPM is a warning to all of us that efforts to maintain peace and security in Papua must continue to be increased for the sake of a better future for all Indonesian people.
*) The author is a human rights observer from Papua