PAPUA - The Central Headquarters Management of the West Papua National Liberation Army National Command (KOMNAS TPNPB) officially delivered an open clarification regarding the dynamics of the release of the New Zealand pilot, Captain Philips Mark Martens. This internal diplomatic step was taken after the TPNPB Central Headquarters received a report of an admission of guilt from the leadership of the TPNPB Defense Regional Command (Kodap) III Ndugama Derakma. Along with the reconciliation, TPNPB announced the reopening of military operations in Nduga Regency against the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI).
​This clarification is the result of a thorough evaluation of the hostage-taking event of the Susi Air airline pilot who was detained since 7 February 2023 in Paro District, Nduga Regency, and released on 21 September 2024. The handling process of the hostage-taking had triggered an internal misunderstanding at the leadership level as well as the TPNPB field command ranks.
​"We, the entire leadership and ranks of TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma, apologize to TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom, all leadership of KOMNAS TPNPB, and Papua independence fighters for the misunderstanding regarding the release of Pilot Philips Mark Martens," said Commander of TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma, Brigadier General Egianus Kogeya, Friday (24/7/2026).
​The statement was delivered by Egianus Kogeya together with Chief of Staff of TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama Derakma, Rumianus Wandikbo, and supported by the leadership of 3 Defense Regional Commands (Kowip) and 13 TPNPB Battalions.
​Apologies were also expressed to all Papuan people, the ranks of couriers, the Papua Intelligence Service (PIS) network across 36 Kodap, church leaders, and national and international press who have been advocating news coverage in the conflict zone.
​"TPNPB expresses apologies to all journalists who have consistently reported the struggle for West Papuan independence," said Egianus Kogeya.
​KOMNAS TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom confirmed that the apology was accepted after going through an intensive communication process. The TPNPB Central Headquarters received official proof in the form of a confirmation video document from the Kodap III Ndugama Derakma field headquarters on 24 July 2026.
​The completion of this internal consolidation marks the restart of armed battle escalation in the Nduga region. The Management of the KOMNAS TPNPB Central Headquarters declared full support for the military operation steps led by Egianus Kogeya to reclaim Papua's independence in accordance with the 1 December 1961 declaration. Meanwhile, the potential for an increase in firefights between TPNPB and the Indonesian military is predicted to spread across several vulnerable points in the Papuan Highlands. (One Papua)