Koma.id – West Papuan independence leader Benny Wenda has been in the spotlight after urging the Free Papua Organization or the Armed Criminal Group to release Susi Air pilot Phillip Mehrtens.
Observers see this as a move to broaden Benny’s international influence as well as a sign of division within the Free Papua Organization. Benny is also the chairman of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP).
In his call, he asked the Free Papua Organization to release Mehrtens peacefully. Benny also asked RI to consider the wishes of the group.
The Free Papua Organization took Mehrtens, a New Zealander, hostage because they thought the Wellington government was cooperating with the Indonesian military. In an official statement, they want to negotiate directly with New Zealand.
They also made Mehrtens an “offer” for RI to recognize Papuan independence.
Responding to Benny’s call, an international relations observer from Padjadjaran University, Teuku Rezasyah, said Benny wanted to have a wider influence on the global stage.
“By trying hard to persuade the release of the pilot from New Zealand, Benny Wenda has opened up many opportunities,” said Rezasyah.
He then said, “In addition to expanding his international reputation, Benny Wenda also has the opportunity to expand his area of influence to the South Pacific Region.”
Furthermore, Rezasyah explained that his broad influence in various countries could strengthen Benny’s bargaining power to pressure the Indonesian government.
“Supported by a mass base and new financial sources, Benny Wenda can increasingly pressure the Indonesian government to recognize West Papua’s independence,” he said again.
Rezasyah said there were many factions within the Free Papua Organization with different areas of control and foreign branches. Among them, there is also competition for influence at home and abroad.
