Indonesian Military says it is "combat ready" in light of the high number of casualties being reported from the clash with the Papuan rebels. Photo: AFP/ Andrew Gal
The Indonesian Military (TNI) has officially escalated its operational status in West Papua to "ground combat ready" following a clash with the West Papuan Liberation Army over the weekend with multiple casualties reported on both sides.
TNI commander Yudo Margono made the announcement in Jakarta on Tuesday upon returning from West Papua.
Margono said the decision was reached after a "very thorough evaluation" of the joint police and military operation to rescue New Zealander Phillip Mehrtens who was taken hostage by the West Papua separatists in February.
He said it was also in light of the high number of casualties being reported from the clash with the Papuan rebels , who claimed to have killed and captured over a dozen Indonesian soldiers.
According to The Jakarta Post, TNI claims it used a "a peaceful approach to the rescue operation...to keep the local population safe."
However, the fatal clashes "altered the outlook" of its operation, Yudo said.
"To deal with such attacks, we will raise the troops' status to combat ready," he told the news outlet.
Meanwhile, the West Papua Liberation Army is calling on the New Zealand government to intercede and de-escalate the tensions in Ndugama in Highland Papua.
RNZ Pacific has also received reports of Indonesian airstrikes on the separatists' positions which rebel leaders say further endanger the life of Mehrtens.
They are calling for a ceasefire and urging Jakarta and Wellington to stop ignoring their requests for peaceful negotiations.
RNZ Pacific reached out to the New Zealand and Indonesian foreign affairs ministries for an update on the situation.
An MFAT spokesperson said: "We are aware of the reports but will not be making any comment."
"The welfare of Mehrtens is our top priority. We're doing everything we can to secure a peaceful resolution and Mehrtens' safe release, including working closely with the Indonesian authorities and deploying New Zealand consular staff."
"We are also supporting Mehrtens' family, both here in Aotearoa New Zealand and in Indonesia. They have asked for privacy at this incredibly challenging time," the MFAT spokesperson added.