Separatist rebels kill New Zealand helicopter pilot in Papua region of Indonesia

Separatist rebels allegedly killed a New Zealand pilot landing a helicopter in Indonesia's restive Papua region on Monday.

Glen Malcolm Conning, 50, a pilot for private aviation company Intan Angkasa Air Service, landed the helicopter in the remote village of Alama in Central Papua when the gunman reportedly ambushed them on August 5.

The other passengers - two children and two Indonesian health workers - were released because they were village natives, but the rebels were said to have shot Glen dead and set fire to the aircraft.

Adjunct Senior Commissioner Bayu Suseno of the Cartenz Peace Taskforce, which handles conflicts with the pro-independence rebels, said in a statement today: 'The body of the pilot has been evacuated from the Alama district to Timika and arrived at 12:50 pm local time. The body is currently at the Mimika General Hospital for an autopsy.'

New Zealand's foreign ministry said it was aware of reports about Glen's death, and its embassy in Jakarta was seeking more information from the authorities.

In a statement, the West Papua National Libreation Army (TPNB - OPM) denied responsibility for the killing.

Akouboo Douw, chairman of the West Papua Diplomatic and Foreign Affairs Council, said: 'We strongly condemn the Indonesian military's blame in all world media that Pilot Glen Malcolm Conning was killed by TPNB OPM. On the other hand, we also strongly believe that this New Zealand Pilot was killed by Indonesian forces. We received a first update from the field team that the pilot from New Zealand was shot by Indonesian troops serving in Timika. However, we will provide our final investigation report as soon as possible.'

Meanwhile, Glen's family said they were heartbroken at the 'devastating loss.'

Their statement read: 'Glen was the most caring and loving husband and dad to his girls. He is truly loved by his family and friends.

'We appreciate the love and support we have received. The most important thing to Glen is his family, so at this time we ask for privacy.'

Local media reported that Glen was an experienced pilot from Motueka in the South Island of New Zealand. He had helped put out bushfires in Christchurch earlier this year.

His death comes 19 months after another New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, was abducted by separatist fighters. He is still being held captive.

Former Dutch colony Papua declared independence in 1961, but was integrated into neighbouring Indonesia through a referendum in 1969.

Independence activists protested the move, and have accused the Indonesian government of a violent crackdown against dissenters in the region.