21 Sep 2024 | 03:03 PM UTC
Indonesia: On Set. 21 authorities announce release of New Zealand national kidnapped Feb. 7 2023 in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua Province, /update 1
On Sept. 21 authorities announce release of New Zealand national kidnapped Feb. 7 2023 in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua Province, Indonesia
As of Sept. 21, authorities have announced the release of a New Zealand national who was kidnapped Feb. 7, 2023, in Nduga Regency, Highland Papua Province. The exact terms of the release are not clear; however, unconfirmed reports indicate the victim was transported to Jakarta after his release, which came following lengthy negotiations.
Separatists from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) kidnapped the victim in 2023 after setting fire to the small commercial plane he had piloted from Mozes Kilangin International Airport (TIM) in Central Papua Province to Nduga.
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 kidnapping threat remains high, particularly against Australians and New Zealanders, due to the separatists' perception of the two countries' alleged support for the Indonesian government.
