In a shocking incident that has drawn international attention, Glen Malcolm Conning, a 50-year-old helicopter pilot from New Zealand, was killed by separatist fighters in Indonesia’s Papua region. The attack took place on August 5, 2024, shortly after Conning landed his helicopter in the remote village of Alama, located in the Mimika district of Central Papua province. This violent act represents the second attack on aviation personnel in the region within the past 19 months, highlighting the increasingly dangerous environment for foreign pilots operating in Papua.
The helicopter was operated by Intan Angkasa Air Service, a private aviation company. Upon landing, Conning was ambushed and shot by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB), the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). The attackers, however, released four Indigenous Papuan passengers who were aboard the aircraft, indicating a selective approach to violence that underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region. Faizal Ramadhani, head of the joint security peace force in Papua, confirmed the incident and labeled it a hostage situation and murder carried out by an armed criminal group.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, but it is part of a broader context of conflict in Papua, a resource-rich region that has been embroiled in a struggle for independence from Indonesia for decades. The region is home to one of the world's largest gold and copper mines, which has fueled both local grievances and external interests. The TPN-PB has a history of targeting aviation operations, with a notable incident occurring 18 months prior when another New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, was captured during an ambush. He remains a captive, with the separatists demanding independence for Papua as a condition for his release.
Conning was an experienced pilot, known for his work in various missions, including firefighting near Christchurch earlier this year. Friends and family have expressed their grief, with close friend Kerry Gatenby describing him as a beloved member of the Motueka community and a dedicated family man. His death has sent shockwaves through both his local community in New Zealand and the international aviation community, raising concerns about the safety of pilots operating in conflict zones.
The TPN-PB has previously been designated a terrorist organization by the Indonesian government, complicating the international response to the ongoing violence. The group's spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, commented on the incident, suggesting that the pilot's presence in the area was a violation of their territorial restrictions. This statement reflects the separatists' ongoing claims over the region and their determination to assert control over what they consider their homeland.
Papua's unique cultural and ethnic identity, distinct from the rest of Indonesia, adds another layer to the conflict. The territory, formerly a Dutch colony, was incorporated into Indonesia in 1969 following a controversial United Nations-backed referendum that many Papuans view as illegitimate. The historical grievances surrounding this incorporation continue to fuel separatist sentiments, leading to a cycle of violence and repression.
As the situation develops, the New Zealand government has expressed its awareness of the incident and is seeking further information from Indonesian authorities. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained cautious, refraining from extensive comments while prioritizing the safety of its citizens abroad. The international community watches closely, as the implications of this incident could affect not only diplomatic relations between New Zealand and Indonesia but also the broader stability in Papua.
The tragic death of Glen Malcolm Conning serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Papua and the risks faced by those working in the region. As tensions rise and violence escalates, the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict becomes increasingly urgent. The international community must remain vigilant and supportive of efforts to address the underlying issues that continue to fuel this long-standing struggle for independence and human rights in Papua.
