Indonesia: Authorities investigating the kidnapping of a New Zealand national in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua Province, Feb. 7

Event

Authorities are investigating the abduction of a New Zealand national in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua Province, Feb. 7 after separatists set fire to a small commercial airplane. Reports indicate six passengers, including the New Zealand pilot, were traveling from Mozes Kilangin International Airport (TIM) in Central Papua Province to Nduga. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has claimed responsibility for the incident and has demanded the Indonesian government recognize West Papua's independence in exchange for the New Zealand national. The status of the passengers remained immediately unclear.

Context

Since 1962, the ongoing insurgency in Papua has given rise to several security incidents between various separatist groups and the Indonesian forces. Fighting in the region is primarily concentrated in the Central Highlands area, especially near Abepura, Jayapura, Puncak Jaya, Sentani, and Timika. Local authorities continue to maintain a heightened security posture in the region, particularly around the Papua New Guinea border areas.

The overall abduction threat remains high, particularly against Australians and New Zealanders, due to the separatists' perception of the two countries' alleged support for the Indonesian government. In March 2020, unidentified assailants killed a New Zealand national and injured several Indonesians at a Freeport mining facility in Timika. The Feb. 7 incident underscores the need for travelers to exercise extreme caution if they plan to travel in the region.