New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens freed after 19-month ordeal in Papua

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed by rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua region. Mehrtens, who was abducted in February 2023 by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), was rescued on Saturday and is reported to be in good health.

“Today, we have picked up pilot Phillip, who is in good health, and we flew him from Nduga to Timika,” stated Faizal Ramadhani, head of a special unit dedicated to the Papua conflict.

Mehrtens is currently undergoing medical and psychological assessments. Indonesian authorities are expected to hold a press conference to provide further details on his release.

Also Read: Ukraine imposes Telegram ban on officials amid national security concerns

The pilot’s abduction occurred after his small commercial aircraft landed in the remote, mountainous Nduga region of Papua. The rebels, seeking independence for Papua from Indonesia, had declared that Mehrtens would only be released if their demands for independence were met.

New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed relief at the news: “We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrtens is safe and well and has been able to talk with his family.”

The long-standing conflict in Papua, where Indigenous Melanesian groups have sought independence from Indonesia, has been marked by tensions since the territory was controversially incorporated into Indonesia after a UN-backed referendum. While Mehrtens’ release marks the end of a prolonged standoff, it also highlights the complex and enduring conflict in Papua.