05 Aug 2024 | 11:40 AM UTC
Indonesia: Police blame separatist group for killing of a New Zealand national in Alama District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, Aug. 5
Police announce killing a New Zealand pilot in Alama District, Central Papua Province, Aug. 5. Abduction risk remains high provincewide.
Local police said the separatist West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has abducted and killed a New Zealand national in Alama District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua Province, Aug. 5. The victim was a pilot of the PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, and was reportedly killed after landing his helicopter in the area around 10:00. All four passengers - who were local - were rescued unharmed. Authorities have not announced the arrests of any suspects, while TPNPB has not claimed responsibility. New Zealand officials have not provided any updates.
Heightened security is likely in the affected area as investigations continue. Localized disruptions may cause minor interruptions to business operations, especially in the mining sector. Ground travel delays to and from the Mozes Kilangin Airport (TIM) in Timika cannot be ruled out.
Plan for localized disruptions if operating in the affected area. Allow additional time to, from, and at TIM. Heed all official instructions, including embassy alerts, security advisories, and traffic restrictions.
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.
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 TPNPB is also currently holding another New Zealand pilot as a hostage since his abduction in February 2023, despite repeated assurances to release him.
