INDONESIA 1 NZ PILOT FOR INDEPENDENCE OF LAND BIGGER THAN GERMANY Indonesias Papua Insurgency

The ongoing conflict in West, Papua has recently captured the world s attention with the abduction of New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens. Mehrtens was taken hostage and accused of violating a nofly zone in the region by the West Papua National Liberation Army. In a heartwrenching video, Mehrtens pleads for an end to bombings in the area, which he claims are being carried out by the Indonesian Army. The situation in, WestPapua is complex, and the history of the region is equally intricate. At the time of, Indonesia s independence, the Netherlands argued that West Papua was ethnically distinct from the rest of the country, leading to a referendum in 1969 to determine the region s fate. The outcome, however, was disputed by many West Papuans, who feel that their right to selfdetermination has been denied. Despite the ongoing conflict and threats from separatist groups, the Indonesian government has vowed to continue its development plans for Papua. However, with politica