A search for a missing pilot has ended after rebels killed six Indonesian soldiers and dozens more have gone missing.
As reported by News.com.au, New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens went missing in February while working for the Indonesian aviation company Susi Air.
Rebels known as the West Papua Liberation Army reportedly rushed the small runway in Paro in the remote Nduga district, shortly after Mehrtens and his single-engine plane landed.
The plane was scheduled to transport 15 construction workers who were threatened by rebel fighters while they were attempting to build a health center.
A UN-sponsored ballot in 1969, which many disagreed with, saw Papua become incorporated into Indonesia and decades of fighting has occurred since as it was divided into Papua and West Papua.
While searching for Mehrtens, the Indonesian Army came under fire from rebels, which six military personnel losing their lives, as per ABC.net.au.
Military leaders believed they knew where the missing pilot was located, and one soldier lost his life when falling into a ravine and the remaining unit came under fire when attempting to rescue him.
Papua military spokesperson Colonel Herman Taryaman has confirmed that 30 soldiers are currently missing and are being searched for.
"It's still unknown exactly how many Indonesian army troops died and were injured," he stated before adding: "We are still searching, but heavy rain, foggy weather, and a lack of communication have hampered our search and evacuation efforts."
First Admiral Julius Widjojono, spokesperson for the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has confirmed that they will respond to the actions of the rebels.
Sebby Sambom, a spokesperson for the rebels, has stated that the group attacked the unit in an act of revenge for two rebels who were killed last month.
Sambom also stated that the group is willing to negotiate for the New Zealand pilot. "Indonesia's government must stop its security operation in Papua and be willing to negotiate with our leaders under the mediation of a neutral third party from a United Nations agency," he said.
First Admiral Widjojono defended the Indonesian army's actions in Papua: "TNI has never stepped back even once in maintaining our territorial sovereignty, and this is being implemented consistently in Papua."
A spokesperson for the New Zealand government said: "The welfare of Mr Mehrtens is our top priority," the spokesperson said. We're doing everything we can to secure a peaceful resolution and Mr Mehrtens' safe release, including working closely with the Indonesian authorities and deploying New Zealand consular staff.
"We are also supporting Mr. Mehrtens' family, both here in Aotearoa and in Indonesia. They have asked for privacy at this incredibly challenging time."
