New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed after being held captive by a faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army in Indonesia’s Papua region for more than 19 months. He was picked up by a joint team in the Nduga area and is currently undergoing health check-ups and a psychological examination in Timika regency. Indonesian President Joko Widodo mentioned that safety was the priority throughout the negotiation process which led to Mehrtens’ release. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed relief and pleasure at Mehrtens’ safe return and confirmed that he had spoken to his family. Various New Zealand government agencies had been working with Indonesian authorities to secure his release. Indonesian authorities, including Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, have been working with religious and community leaders to ensure the safety of the pilot. Additionally, they will be holding a press conference to provide further information. This incident follows the tragic death of another New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, who was killed by separatist rebels in Papua in August.
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New Zealand pilot released from captivity in Indonesia’s Papua after 19 months
