The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has condemned the reported killing of New Zealand helicopter pilot Glen Malcolm Conning in Alama, Mimika Regency
“If true, I condemn this killing in the strongest possible terms,” said President Wenda.
“We mourn Conning’s death and do not want any more bloodshed on West Papuan land.”
The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) denied responsibility for Conning’s death, claiming that Indonesia ignored warnings and a civilian flight ban.
“Indonesia intentionally put this pilot in danger by allowing him to fly into a conflict zone,” sources stated.
“They have indirectly caused his death by breaching the restricted zone to entrench their occupation of the Highlands.”
President Wenda emphasiSed that West Papuans are peaceful and seek global awareness of their plight.
“We have fought for a decade for a UN Human Rights visit to West Papua, which Indonesia continues to deny.”
Despite mourning Conning’s death, the ULMWP welcomed the TPNPB’s announcement to release detained New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens.
TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom stated that Egianus Kogoya’s faction will free Mehrtens, though it might take two months.
“This is the right and humane thing to do,” Wenda said.
“The blood of an innocent man should not be shed on Papuan land.”
Wenda urged all parties to ensure Mehrtens’ safe release, warning Indonesia not to interfere or exploit the situation.
“Safe passage, reduced troop presence, and logistical coordination are essential,” he said.
Throughout Mehrtens’ detention, Indonesia has resisted outside aid and peaceful negotiations for his release. The West Papua Council of Churches stated that Indonesia should have withdrawn troops from impacted regions to facilitate his release. Instead, Indonesia deployed more troops, bombed Nduga, and intensified military occupation, worsening conditions for civilians.
“The occupier never wastes an opportunity,” Wenda said.
“Since the kidnapping and Indonesia’s ‘combat alert’, there have been more arbitrary arrests, killings, and mass displacement. This fits Indonesia’s strategy to expel Papuans and transform our land into mines and plantations.”
The ULMWP called for global awareness of the ongoing situation. “Tens of thousands of West Papuans have been displaced, and hundreds killed since Mehrtens was detained,” Wenda stated.
“Indonesia has refused a diplomatic solution to his detention, barred the UN from investigating human rights, and denied international journalists access.”
The ULMWP extended condolences to Conning’s family.
“We do not want Indonesia to use this as a pretext to send more troops to West Papua,” Wenda said. “Our commitment remains to a peaceful diplomatic strategy for West Papuan liberation through international political forums,” he said.