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Coordinates: 4°13′33″S 138°11′38″E / 4.22572°S 138.194°E / -4.22572; 138.194
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{{Infobox military conflict
{{Infobox military conflict
|conflict=Mapenduma hostage crisis
| conflict = Mapenduma hostage crisis
| partof = the [[Papua conflict]]
|image=
| image =
|caption=
| caption =
|date=8 January – 15 May 1996
| map_type = Indonesia Western New Guinea
|place=[[Mapenduma, Jayawijaya]], [[Irian Jaya]], (now [[Papua Province]]), [[Indonesia]]
| map_relief = 1
|territory=
| coordinates = {{Coord|-4.22572|138.194|display=it}}
|status=Indonesian victory, hostages released
| date = 8 January – 15 May 1996
|combatant1={{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Kopassus]]
| place = [[Mapenduma District]], [[Jayawijaya Regency]], Irian Jaya, [[Indonesia]]
|combatant2=[[File:Morning Star flag.svg|22x20px|border]] [[Free Papua Movement]]
| territory =
|commander1={{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Prabowo Subianto]]
| status = Indonesian victory
|commander2=[[File:Morning Star flag.svg|22x20px|border]] [[Kelly Kwalik]]
* Hostages were released.
|strength1=100 Special Forces soldiers
| combatant1 = {{Flagcountry|Indonesia}}
|strength2= 200 fighters
| combatant2 = [[File:Morning Star flag.svg|22x20px|border]] [[Republic of West Papua]]
|casualties1= Five soliders killed in helicopter crash
| units1 = {{flagicon image|Flag of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (until 1999).png}} [[Indonesian National Armed Forces]]
|casualties2= Eight FPM fighters killed, two captured
*{{flagicon image|Flag of the Indonesian Army.svg}} [[Indonesian Army]]
|casualties3= Two hostages killed
**{{flagicon image|Lambang_Kopassus.svg}} [[Kopassus]]
***Satgas Rajawali ([[Damal people|Damal]] militia)<ref name="IPAC">{{cite web | title=Carving Up Papua: More Districts, More Problems | website=Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict | date=2013-10-09 | url=https://understandingconflict.org/en/publications/Carving-Up-Papua-More-Districts-More-Problems | language=id | access-date=2024-06-01}}</ref>
**{{flagicon image|}} [[Executive Outcomes]]<ref name=eo1>{{cite magazine|last1=Barlow|first1=Eeben|title=Hostage Rescue in Indonesia and the Art of the Raid|magazine=The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Journal for Law Enforcement, Intelligence & Special Operations Professionals|volume=7|issue=1|pages=8-17|url=https://issuu.com/thecounterterroristmagazine/docs/ct_feb_mar_2014_ap_edition|accessdate=6 November 2017|publisher=Security Solutions International|location=Miami, Florida|issn=1941-8639|id=February/March 2014}}</ref><ref name=eo2>{{cite AV media|author1=Mark Davis (Reporter and Producer)|author2=Matt Brown (Researcher)|author3=Peter Cronau (Researcher)|date=12 July 1999|title=Blood on the Cross|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7HEwcocOYg|medium=Television production|work=[[Four Corners (Australian TV program)|Four Corners]]|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|accessdate=7 November 2017}}</ref><ref name=eo3>{{cite journal|last1=Cronau|first1=Peter|title=Sandline's mercenaries helped Kopassus|journal=Pacific Journalism Review|url=http://www.asiapac.org.fj:80/PJR/issues/next/2000kopassus.html|date=January 2000|volume=6|issue=1|pages=33-35|issn=1023-9499|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20010309023753/http://www.asiapac.org.fj/PJR/issues/next/2000kopassus.html|archivedate=9 March 2001|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| units2 = [[File:Morning Star flag.svg|22x20px|border]] [[Free Papua Movement]]
| commander1 = {{flagicon|Indonesia}} [[Prabowo Subianto]]
| commander2 = [[File:Morning Star flag.svg|22x20px|border]] [[Kelly Kwalik]]
| strength1 = 100 commandos<br>3 helicopters
| strength2 = 200 fighters
| casualties1 = 5 killed<br>1 helicopter crashed
| casualties2 = 8 killed<br>2 captured
| casualties3 = 2 hostages killed
| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Papua conflict}}
}}
}}


The '''Mapenduma hostage crisis''' began on 8 January 1996 after the [[Free Papua Movement]] (FPM) took 26 members of a [[World Wildlife Fund]] research mission captive at [[Mapenduma, Jayawijaya|Mapenduma]] in [[Irian Jaya]] province, Indonesia. The hostages were subsequently moved to [[Geselama]]. The [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] acted as an intermediary between the FPM and the Indonesian authorities. Fifteen hostages, all of Indonesian nationality, were released relatively quickly, but eleven (comprising four Britons, two Dutch, and five Indonesians) remained in FPM hands. After lengthy negotiations the ICRC secured an agreement for the release of the remaining hostages on 8 May. However, the FPM leader, [[Kelly Kwalik]], backed out of the agreement on the day of the intended release. The ICRC removed itself from the negotiations and stated that the Indonesian Army was no longer bound by an agreement not to engage in combat with the hostage takers.
The '''Mapenduma hostage crisis''' began on 8 January 1996 after the [[Free Papua Movement]] ({{lang-id|Organisasi Papua Merdeka}} (OPM)) took 26 members of a [[World Wildlife Fund]] research mission captive at Mapenduma, Jayawijaya in Irian Jaya (now [[Nduga Regency]] in [[Highland Papua]]), [[Indonesia]]. The hostages were subsequently moved to Geselama. The [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] acted as an intermediary between the OPM and the Indonesian authorities. Fifteen hostages, all of Indonesian nationality, were released relatively quickly, but eleven (comprising four Britons, two Dutch, and five Indonesians) remained in OPM hands. After lengthy negotiations the ICRC secured an agreement for the release of the remaining hostages on 8 May. However, the OPM leader, [[Kelly Kwalik]], backed out of the agreement on the day of the intended release. The ICRC removed itself from the negotiations and stated that the Indonesian Army was no longer bound by an agreement not to engage in combat with the hostage takers.


On 9 May Indonesian special forces moved into the village but found it unoccupied. Five personnel were killed in a helicopter crash. A small observation force was left behind and, after this confirmed the FPM and their hostages had returned to the site on 15 May, a second assault was made. This was successful and effected the release of nine of the hostages, two being killed by their captors. Eight FPM fighters were killed and two captured versus no loss on the Indonesian side. There was some international controversy over the use of an unmarked civilian helicopter by the Indonesian forces, which may have misled the FPM.
On 9 May Indonesian Army Special Forces ([[Kopassus]]) moved into the village but found it unoccupied. Five personnel were killed in a helicopter crash. A small observation force was left behind and, after this confirmed the OPM and their hostages had returned to the site on 15 May, a second assault was made. This was successful and effected the release of nine of the hostages, two being killed by their captors. Eight OPM fighters were killed and two captured versus no loss on the Indonesian side, save for the helicopter crash. There was some international controversy over the use of an unmarked civilian helicopter by the Indonesian forces, which may have misled the OPM.


== Hostage-taking and negotiations ==
== Hostage-taking and negotiations ==
On 8 January 1996, 200 members of the [[Free Papua Movement]] (FPM) took 26 hostages from the village of [[Mapenduma, Jayawijaya|Mapenduma]] in [[Irian Jaya]] province, Indonesia.<ref name=psych>{{cite book|last1=Stout|first1=Chris E.|title=The Psychology of Terrorism: Clinical aspects and responses, Volume 2|date=2002|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|location=Westport, Connecticut|isbn=0-275-97866-4|page=184|url=https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=o6s84xxDakkC}}</ref> The hostages comprised 20 Indonesians, four Britons, and two Dutch – the latter including a pregnant woman – and all were part of a [[World Wildlife Fund]] mission conducting [[biodiversity]] research.<ref name="icrc"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chatterjee|first1=Pratap|title=INDONESIA: Irian Jaya Hostage Crisis Continues|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/1996/01/indonesia-irian-jaya-hostage-crisis-continues/|accessdate=12 September 2016|agency=Inter Press Service|date=22 January 1996}}</ref> Fifteen of the Indonesian hostages were released swiftly by the FPM leader [[Kelly Kwalik]].<ref name="icrc"/> On 14 January the FPM demanded the use of an aircraft and a meeting with four priests or missionaries.<ref>{{cite news|title=INDONESIA – SEPARATIST REBELS HOLD 15 HOSTAGES|url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/Indonesia-Hostages-Released-From-Captivity/2ba0f6e625face1ac785a56d7a10125c?query=opm&current=9&orderBy=Relevance&hits=11&referrer=search&search=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dopm%26allFilters%3DGeneral%2520news%3ASubject&allFilters=General+news%3ASubject&productType=IncludedProducts&page=1&b=10125c|accessdate=12 September 2016|agency=Associated Press|date=14 January 1996}}</ref>
On 8 January 1996, 200 members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) took 26 hostages from the village of Mapenduma in Irian Jaya.<ref name=psych>{{cite book|last1=Stout|first1=Chris E.|title=The Psychology of Terrorism: Clinical aspects and responses, Volume 2|date=2002|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group|location=Westport, Connecticut|isbn=0-275-97866-4|page=184|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=o6s84xxDakkC}}</ref> The hostages comprised 20 Indonesians, four Britons, and two Dutch – the latter including a pregnant woman – and all were part of a World Wildlife Fund mission conducting [[biodiversity]] research.<ref name="icrc"/><ref>{{cite news|last1=Chatterjee|first1=Pratap|title=INDONESIA: Irian Jaya Hostage Crisis Continues|url=http://www.ipsnews.net/1996/01/indonesia-irian-jaya-hostage-crisis-continues/|accessdate=12 September 2016|agency=Inter Press Service|date=22 January 1996}}</ref> Fifteen of the Indonesian hostages were released swiftly by the OPM leader [[Kelly Kwalik]].<ref name="icrc"/> On 14 January the OPM demanded the use of an aircraft and a meeting with four priests or missionaries.<ref>{{cite news|title=INDONESIA – SEPARATIST REBELS HOLD 15 HOSTAGES|url=http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/Indonesia-Hostages-Released-From-Captivity/2ba0f6e625face1ac785a56d7a10125c?query=opm&current=9&orderBy=Relevance&hits=11&referrer=search&search=%2Fsearch%3Fquery%3Dopm%26allFilters%3DGeneral%2520news%3ASubject&allFilters=General+news%3ASubject&productType=IncludedProducts&page=1&b=10125c|accessdate=12 September 2016|agency=Associated Press|date=14 January 1996}}</ref>


The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Jayapura|Catholic Bishop of Jayapura]], [[Herman Ferdinandus Maria Münninghoff]], made contact with Kwalik on 25 January to begin negotiations. Kwalik requested that the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] (ICRC) act as an intermediary between the FPM and the Indonesian authorities. The ICRC consulted with the British, Dutch, and Indonesian governments before agreeing to take on this role.<ref name="icrc">{{cite web|title=ICRC role during the Irian Jaya hostage crisis (January–May 1996)|url=https://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/misc/57jpz2.htm|publisher=International Committee of the Red Cross|date=27 August 1999}}</ref>
The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Jayapura|Catholic Bishop of Jayapura]], [[Herman Ferdinandus Maria Münninghoff]], made contact with Kwalik on 25 January to begin negotiations. Kwalik requested that the [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] (ICRC) act as an intermediary between the OPM and the Indonesian authorities. The ICRC consulted with the British, Dutch, and Indonesian governments before agreeing to take on this role.<ref name="icrc">{{cite web|title=ICRC role during the Irian Jaya hostage crisis (January–May 1996)|url=https://www.icrc.org/eng/resources/documents/misc/57jpz2.htm|publisher=International Committee of the Red Cross|date=27 August 1999}}</ref>


A five-member negotiating team arrived in the area on 7 February but, owing to bad weather, dense jungle, and logistical problems, was unable to make contact with the hostage-takers until 25 February, when they were located at [[Geselama]]. The ICRC team were able to meet with a number of the hostages, under FPM supervision on this occasion and on their four subsequent visits (26–27 March, 17 April, 5 May, and 8 May).<ref name="icrc"/>
A five-member negotiating team arrived in the area on 7 February but, owing to bad weather, dense jungle, and logistical problems, was unable to make contact with the hostage-takers until 25 February, when they were located at Geselama. The ICRC team were able to meet with a number of the hostages, under OPM supervision on this occasion and on their four subsequent visits (26–27 March, 17 April, 5 May, and 8 May).<ref name="icrc"/>


The ICRC noted that there were serious concerns regarding the health of three of the hostages, including Martha Klein, the pregnant Dutchwoman, and attempted to provide vitamin supplements and a means of communication with the hostages' families. The Indonesian authorities made little progress with negotiations as Kwalik refused to back down from his demand for immediate independence for western [[New Guinea]]. However, the ICRC insisted that negotiations continue, and by early May had arranged the release of the hostages in exchange for free passage for the hostage-takers and medical and agricultural projects to be implemented in Irian Jaya.<ref name="icrc"/>
The ICRC noted that there were serious concerns regarding the health of three of the hostages, including Martha Klein, the pregnant Dutchwoman, and attempted to provide vitamin supplements and a means of communication with the hostages' families. The Indonesian authorities made little progress with negotiations as Kwalik refused to back down from his demand for immediate independence for western [[New Guinea]]. However, the ICRC insisted that negotiations continue, and by early May had arranged the release of the hostages in exchange for free passage for the hostage-takers and medical and agricultural projects to be implemented in Irian Jaya.<ref name="icrc"/>


A release ceremony was organised for 8 May at which many local tribal leaders were present. At the last moment, as the ICRC were preparing to leave with the hostages, Kwalik retracted his offer and again demanded independence for western New Guinea. The ICRC declared that as the FPM had backed out of the previous agreement, they would be unable to continue as an intermediary, that hostage-taking was prohibited by international law, and that the Indonesian forces would no longer be bound by their agreement to not engage in combat.<ref name="icrc"/>
A release ceremony was organised for 8 May at which many local tribal leaders were present. At the last moment, as the ICRC were preparing to leave with the hostages, Kwalik retracted his offer and again demanded independence for western New Guinea. The ICRC declared that as the OPM had backed out of the previous agreement, they would be unable to continue as an intermediary, that hostage-taking was prohibited by international law, and that the Indonesian forces would no longer be bound by their agreement to not engage in combat.<ref name="icrc"/>


There was a dispute amongst the FPM with some members stating that the hostages would be released on 9 May. The ICRC representatives returned the next day to find that the hostages had been moved to a different location and that Kwalik refused to change his stance.<ref name="icrc"/>
There was a dispute amongst the OPM with some members stating that the hostages would be released on 9 May. The ICRC representatives returned the next day to find that the hostages had been moved to a different location and that Kwalik refused to change his stance.<ref name="icrc"/>


== Rescue operation ==
== Rescue operation ==
Indonesian forces for the rescue operation were under the command of [[Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo]], son-in-law of President [[Suharto]].<ref name="IA">{{cite web|last1=Daves|first1=Joseph|title=PRABOWO’S MAY 1996 HOSTAGE RESCUE MISSION IN IRIAN JAYA|url=http://www.theindonesianarmy.com/?p=197|date=2 July 2014|publisher=Indonesian Army|accessdate=12 September 2016}}</ref> He arranged two [[Bell 412]] helicopters to be shipped into the area via [[C-130]] aircraft and used these, along with three other helicopters, to enter Geselama on 9 May. The rescue team found the village deserted and, leaving behind a commando observation team, withdrew. During the withdrawal, a helicopter hit a tree and crashed, killing all five personnel on-board. The commandos confirmed that the FPM and the hostages had returned to the village on 15 May.<ref name="IA"/>
Indonesian Army Special Forces (Kopassus) for the rescue operation were under the command of [[Prabowo Subianto]], son-in-law of President [[Soeharto]].<ref name="IA">{{cite web|last1=Daves|first1=Joseph|title=PRABOWO’S MAY 1996 HOSTAGE RESCUE MISSION IN IRIAN JAYA|url=http://www.theindonesianarmy.com/?p=197|date=2 July 2014|publisher=Indonesian Army|accessdate=12 September 2016}}</ref> He arranged two [[Bell 412]] helicopters to be shipped into the area via [[C-130]] aircraft and used these, along with three other helicopters, to enter Geselama on 9 May. The rescue team found the village deserted and, leaving behind a Kopassus observation team, withdrew. During the withdrawal, a helicopter hit a tree and crashed, killing all five personnel on-board. Kopassus confirmed that the OPM and the hostages had returned to the village on 15 May.<ref name="IA"/>


Prabawo immediately launched another helicopter assault, code-named Operation Cenderawasih (Bird of Paradise). This operation resulted in the safe release of nine of the hostages, two of the Indonesian hostages having been killed during the course of the operation.<ref name="IA"/><ref name="icrc"/> Eight FPM fighters were killed and two captured.<ref name="indy"/><ref name="IA"/> The May 15 operation<ref name=psych/> was carried out by 100 Special Forces soldiers with access to an airborne surveillance drone and sniffer dogs.<ref name="indy"/> It was almost cancelled after the airbase from which it was to be launched was stormed by several thousand locals intent on burning the helicopters, who had to be repelled by rubber bullets.<ref name="IA"/>
Prabawo immediately launched another helicopter assault, code-named Operation Cenderawasih (Bird of Paradise). This operation resulted in the safe release of nine of the hostages, two of the Indonesian hostages having been killed during the course of the operation.<ref name="IA"/><ref name="icrc"/> Eight OPM fighters were killed and two captured.<ref name="indy"/><ref name="IA"/> The May 15 operation<ref name=psych/> was carried out by 100 Kopassus soldiers with access to an airborne surveillance drone and sniffer dogs.<ref name="indy"/> It was almost cancelled after the airbase from which it was to be launched was stormed by several thousand locals intent on burning the helicopters, who had to be repelled by rubber bullets.<ref name="IA"/>


The Indonesian forces took several hours to carry out the rescue and were able to locate the FPM forces by following a trail of discarded personal belongings.<ref name="indy"/><ref name="AP"/> The two hostages that were killed bled to death after being struck by machetes by the FPM; Klein was slightly wounded after being struck by a spear. The survivors were stranded on the mountainside overnight by bad weather before being evacuated to [[Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital]].<ref name="indy">{{cite news|last1=Streeter|first1=Michael|title=Hostage watched as two friends were killed|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/hostage-watched-as-two-friends-were-killed-1347695.html|accessdate=12 September 2016|work=The Independent|date=16 May 1996}}</ref> Three of the hostages were admitted to intensive care but the remainder were in relatively good condition.<ref name="AP">{{cite news|title=Eight Rebels, Two Indonesians Killed in Hostage-Rescue Raid|url=http://www.apnewsarchive.com/1996/Eight-Rebels-Two-Indonesians-Killed-in-Hostage-Rescue-Raid/id-5582c3d88193fb7c0da50d35d4f00a3a|accessdate=12 September 2016|agency=Associated Press|date=16 May 1996}}</ref>
Kopassus took several hours to carry out the rescue and were able to locate the OPM forces by following a trail of discarded personal belongings.<ref name="indy"/><ref name="AP"/> The two hostages that were killed bled to death after being struck by machetes by the OPM; Klein was slightly wounded after being struck by a spear. The survivors were stranded on the mountainside overnight by bad weather before being evacuated to [[Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital]].<ref name="indy">{{cite news|last1=Streeter|first1=Michael|title=Hostage watched as two friends were killed|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/hostage-watched-as-two-friends-were-killed-1347695.html|accessdate=12 September 2016|work=The Independent|date=16 May 1996}}</ref> Three of the hostages were admitted to intensive care but the remainder were in relatively good condition.<ref name="AP">{{cite news|title=Eight Rebels, Two Indonesians Killed in Hostage-Rescue Raid|url=https://apnews.com/5582c3d88193fb7c0da50d35d4f00a3a|accessdate=12 September 2016|agency=Associated Press|date=16 May 1996}}</ref>


Allegations were made regarding the ICRC's involvement in the incident, including that it co-operated with the Indonesian forces to organise the military operation and that it allowed the Indonesian forces to disguise themselves under the [[Emblems of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross emblem]] (particularly by using a red cross-marked helicopter). The ICRC investigated the matter and could find no evidence of such events.<ref name="icrc"/> The Indonesian Army admitted to using a white civilian helicopter (in [[Airfast Indonesia]] livery) to lead the assault, which had been used previously to ferry the ICRC representatives. They state that it was not marked with the red cross and was accompanied by two [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]] in Indonesian Army markings. But they admit that it may have caused confusion to the FPM forces.<ref name="IA"/>
Allegations were made regarding the ICRC's involvement in the incident, including that it co-operated with the Indonesian forces to organise the military operation and that it allowed the Indonesian forces to disguise themselves under the [[Emblems of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross emblem]] (particularly by using a red cross-marked helicopter). The ICRC investigated the matter and could not find any evidence of such events.<ref name="icrc"/> The Indonesian Army admitted to using a white civilian helicopter (in [[Airfast Indonesia]] livery) to lead the assault, which had been used previously to ferry the ICRC representatives. They state that it was not marked with the red cross and was accompanied by two [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma]] in Indonesian Army markings. But they admit that it may have caused confusion to the OPM forces.<ref name="IA"/>

Several sources state that [[private military company]] [[Executive Outcomes]] provided training and operational advice to the Indonesian government on the rescue operation.<ref name=eo1/><ref name=eo2/><ref name=eo3/>


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==Further reading==
* {{cite book|last1=Barlow|first1=Eeben|title=Executive Outcomes: Against All Odds|date=2007|publisher=Galago Books|location=Alberton, South Africa|isbn=9781919854199}}
* {{cite book|last1=Start|first1=Daniel|title=The Open Cage: The Ordeal of the Irian Jaya Hostages |date=1997 |publisher=HarperCollins|location=London|isbn=9780002558488}}


[[Category:Crime in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Hostage taking in Indonesia]]
[[Category:1996 crimes in Indonesia]]
[[Category:1996 crimes in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Kidnappings in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Kidnappings in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Papua (province)]]
[[Category:Timika]]
[[Category:Hostage taking in Indonesia]]
[[Category:Papua conflict]]
[[Category:History of Highland Papua]]

Latest revision as of 07:36, 1 June 2024

Mapenduma hostage crisis
Part of the Papua conflict
Date8 January – 15 May 1996
Location4°13′33″S 138°11′38″E / 4.22572°S 138.194°E / -4.22572; 138.194
Status

Indonesian victory

  • Hostages were released.
Belligerents
 Indonesia Republic of West Papua
Commanders and leaders
Indonesia Prabowo Subianto Kelly Kwalik
Units involved

Indonesian National Armed Forces

Free Papua Movement
Strength
100 commandos
3 helicopters
200 fighters
Casualties and losses
5 killed
1 helicopter crashed
8 killed
2 captured
2 hostages killed
Mapenduma hostage crisis is located in Western New Guinea
Mapenduma hostage crisis
Location within Western New Guinea

The Mapenduma hostage crisis began on 8 January 1996 after the Free Papua Movement (Indonesian: Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM)) took 26 members of a World Wildlife Fund research mission captive at Mapenduma, Jayawijaya in Irian Jaya (now Nduga Regency in Highland Papua), Indonesia. The hostages were subsequently moved to Geselama. The International Committee of the Red Cross acted as an intermediary between the OPM and the Indonesian authorities. Fifteen hostages, all of Indonesian nationality, were released relatively quickly, but eleven (comprising four Britons, two Dutch, and five Indonesians) remained in OPM hands. After lengthy negotiations the ICRC secured an agreement for the release of the remaining hostages on 8 May. However, the OPM leader, Kelly Kwalik, backed out of the agreement on the day of the intended release. The ICRC removed itself from the negotiations and stated that the Indonesian Army was no longer bound by an agreement not to engage in combat with the hostage takers.

On 9 May Indonesian Army Special Forces (Kopassus) moved into the village but found it unoccupied. Five personnel were killed in a helicopter crash. A small observation force was left behind and, after this confirmed the OPM and their hostages had returned to the site on 15 May, a second assault was made. This was successful and effected the release of nine of the hostages, two being killed by their captors. Eight OPM fighters were killed and two captured versus no loss on the Indonesian side, save for the helicopter crash. There was some international controversy over the use of an unmarked civilian helicopter by the Indonesian forces, which may have misled the OPM.

Hostage-taking and negotiations[edit]

On 8 January 1996, 200 members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) took 26 hostages from the village of Mapenduma in Irian Jaya.[5] The hostages comprised 20 Indonesians, four Britons, and two Dutch – the latter including a pregnant woman – and all were part of a World Wildlife Fund mission conducting biodiversity research.[6][7] Fifteen of the Indonesian hostages were released swiftly by the OPM leader Kelly Kwalik.[6] On 14 January the OPM demanded the use of an aircraft and a meeting with four priests or missionaries.[8]

The Catholic Bishop of Jayapura, Herman Ferdinandus Maria Münninghoff, made contact with Kwalik on 25 January to begin negotiations. Kwalik requested that the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) act as an intermediary between the OPM and the Indonesian authorities. The ICRC consulted with the British, Dutch, and Indonesian governments before agreeing to take on this role.[6]

A five-member negotiating team arrived in the area on 7 February but, owing to bad weather, dense jungle, and logistical problems, was unable to make contact with the hostage-takers until 25 February, when they were located at Geselama. The ICRC team were able to meet with a number of the hostages, under OPM supervision on this occasion and on their four subsequent visits (26–27 March, 17 April, 5 May, and 8 May).[6]

The ICRC noted that there were serious concerns regarding the health of three of the hostages, including Martha Klein, the pregnant Dutchwoman, and attempted to provide vitamin supplements and a means of communication with the hostages' families. The Indonesian authorities made little progress with negotiations as Kwalik refused to back down from his demand for immediate independence for western New Guinea. However, the ICRC insisted that negotiations continue, and by early May had arranged the release of the hostages in exchange for free passage for the hostage-takers and medical and agricultural projects to be implemented in Irian Jaya.[6]

A release ceremony was organised for 8 May at which many local tribal leaders were present. At the last moment, as the ICRC were preparing to leave with the hostages, Kwalik retracted his offer and again demanded independence for western New Guinea. The ICRC declared that as the OPM had backed out of the previous agreement, they would be unable to continue as an intermediary, that hostage-taking was prohibited by international law, and that the Indonesian forces would no longer be bound by their agreement to not engage in combat.[6]

There was a dispute amongst the OPM with some members stating that the hostages would be released on 9 May. The ICRC representatives returned the next day to find that the hostages had been moved to a different location and that Kwalik refused to change his stance.[6]

Rescue operation[edit]

Indonesian Army Special Forces (Kopassus) for the rescue operation were under the command of Prabowo Subianto, son-in-law of President Soeharto.[9] He arranged two Bell 412 helicopters to be shipped into the area via C-130 aircraft and used these, along with three other helicopters, to enter Geselama on 9 May. The rescue team found the village deserted and, leaving behind a Kopassus observation team, withdrew. During the withdrawal, a helicopter hit a tree and crashed, killing all five personnel on-board. Kopassus confirmed that the OPM and the hostages had returned to the village on 15 May.[9]

Prabawo immediately launched another helicopter assault, code-named Operation Cenderawasih (Bird of Paradise). This operation resulted in the safe release of nine of the hostages, two of the Indonesian hostages having been killed during the course of the operation.[9][6] Eight OPM fighters were killed and two captured.[10][9] The May 15 operation[5] was carried out by 100 Kopassus soldiers with access to an airborne surveillance drone and sniffer dogs.[10] It was almost cancelled after the airbase from which it was to be launched was stormed by several thousand locals intent on burning the helicopters, who had to be repelled by rubber bullets.[9]

Kopassus took several hours to carry out the rescue and were able to locate the OPM forces by following a trail of discarded personal belongings.[10][11] The two hostages that were killed bled to death after being struck by machetes by the OPM; Klein was slightly wounded after being struck by a spear. The survivors were stranded on the mountainside overnight by bad weather before being evacuated to Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital.[10] Three of the hostages were admitted to intensive care but the remainder were in relatively good condition.[11]

Allegations were made regarding the ICRC's involvement in the incident, including that it co-operated with the Indonesian forces to organise the military operation and that it allowed the Indonesian forces to disguise themselves under the Red Cross emblem (particularly by using a red cross-marked helicopter). The ICRC investigated the matter and could not find any evidence of such events.[6] The Indonesian Army admitted to using a white civilian helicopter (in Airfast Indonesia livery) to lead the assault, which had been used previously to ferry the ICRC representatives. They state that it was not marked with the red cross and was accompanied by two Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma in Indonesian Army markings. But they admit that it may have caused confusion to the OPM forces.[9]

Several sources state that private military company Executive Outcomes provided training and operational advice to the Indonesian government on the rescue operation.[2][3][4]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Carving Up Papua: More Districts, More Problems". Institute for Policy Analysis of Conflict (in Indonesian). 2013-10-09. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
  2. ^ a b Barlow, Eeben. "Hostage Rescue in Indonesia and the Art of the Raid". The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Journal for Law Enforcement, Intelligence & Special Operations Professionals. Vol. 7, no. 1. Miami, Florida: Security Solutions International. pp. 8–17. ISSN 1941-8639. February/March 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  3. ^ a b Mark Davis (Reporter and Producer); Matt Brown (Researcher); Peter Cronau (Researcher) (12 July 1999). Blood on the Cross. Four Corners (Television production). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 7 November 2017.
  4. ^ a b Cronau, Peter (January 2000). "Sandline's mercenaries helped Kopassus". Pacific Journalism Review. 6 (1): 33–35. ISSN 1023-9499. Archived from the original on 9 March 2001.
  5. ^ a b Stout, Chris E. (2002). The Psychology of Terrorism: Clinical aspects and responses, Volume 2. Westport, Connecticut: Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 184. ISBN 0-275-97866-4.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i "ICRC role during the Irian Jaya hostage crisis (January–May 1996)". International Committee of the Red Cross. 27 August 1999.
  7. ^ Chatterjee, Pratap (22 January 1996). "INDONESIA: Irian Jaya Hostage Crisis Continues". Inter Press Service. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  8. ^ "INDONESIA – SEPARATIST REBELS HOLD 15 HOSTAGES". Associated Press. 14 January 1996. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  9. ^ a b c d e f Daves, Joseph (2 July 2014). "PRABOWO'S MAY 1996 HOSTAGE RESCUE MISSION IN IRIAN JAYA". Indonesian Army. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  10. ^ a b c d Streeter, Michael (16 May 1996). "Hostage watched as two friends were killed". The Independent. Retrieved 12 September 2016.
  11. ^ a b "Eight Rebels, Two Indonesians Killed in Hostage-Rescue Raid". Associated Press. 16 May 1996. Retrieved 12 September 2016.

Further reading[edit]

  • Barlow, Eeben (2007). Executive Outcomes: Against All Odds. Alberton, South Africa: Galago Books. ISBN 9781919854199.
  • Start, Daniel (1997). The Open Cage: The Ordeal of the Irian Jaya Hostages. London: HarperCollins. ISBN 9780002558488.