Rebels holding NZ pilot in Indonesia’s Papua prepared to drop key demand

Separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region who are holding a New Zealand pilot hostage are prepared to drop a demand that Jakarta recognise the independence of the area before they could consider freeing him, a rebel spokesperson said on Thursday.
Susi Air pilot Phillip Mehrtens was abducted by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the Papuan highlands area of Nduga two months ago after a routine flight to the area.
The TPNPB said at they time the pilot would only be released in return for the Indonesian government’s recognition of Papua’s independence, and the withdrawal of all Indonesian troops.
But in a text message to Reuters on Thursday TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the group had dropped the independence demand and was instead pushing for dialogue.
Sambom said, “This New Zealand pilot is not our enemy so we will find a solution to release him.”
Sambom said the TPNPB, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), had not dropped its push to see the region granted independence in the long term, but recognised the need to ensure the pilot was released soon.