A New Zealand pilot has been liberated after over 19 months in captivity by separatists in Indonesia, expressing his joy at the prospect of reuniting with his family.
Philip Mehrtens was abducted by the West Papua National Liberation Army in February 2023 and was released into the custody of Indonesian officials after extensive negotiations on Saturday.
Upon his release, Mehrtens appeared before the media visibly thinner but reported to be in good health.
The 38-year-old pilot was captured after landing a small commercial aircraft in the isolated mountainous region of Nduga.
“Today I have been freed. I am very happy that shortly I will be able to go home and meet my family,” Mr. Mehrtens stated in Indonesian during a press briefing in Timika.
He expressed gratitude for the efforts that facilitated his safe return, stating, “Thank you for everybody who helped me today, so I can get out safely in a healthy condition.”
His release marks a success for diplomatic negotiations involving representatives from both New Zealand and Indonesia.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister has warmly welcomed his return alongside statements from foreign officials who declared the news a significant relief for Mehrtens’ family.
Indonesian police reported that Mehrtens was liberated and taken from a village in the Maibarok district to be flown to Timika.
Before his release, rebels had promised that they would release him in line with international human rights norms.
“We the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), remain committed to upholding the values of peace, respect and dignity in this situation,” said their spokesperson.
The father-of-one is on his way to Jakarta to reunite with his family after being held hostage since February last year.
Mehrtens was taken captive shortly after landing his Susi Air plane in Nduga with five passengers, all of whom were subsequently released by the rebels.
This kidnapping highlights the ongoing tension between the Indonesian government and the indigenous people of West Papua, a region long embroiled in conflict.
In April, a violent encounter resulted in the death of an Indonesian soldier during searches for the captive pilot.
Tragically, another recent incident in the region involved the death of another New Zealand pilot, indicating the severe risks faced by those working in the area.
Authorities confirmed that the group responsible for the death of the other pilot is linked to those who held Mehrtens captive.
Previously, statements from the West Papua National Liberation Army suggested they sought to leverage Mehrtens’ captivity to bring attention to the conflict and international involvement.
Indonesian President confirmed that persistent diplomatic efforts secured Mehrtens’ release without resorting to force.
Speaking at a press conference, he stated, “We prioritized the safety of the pilot who was held hostage. It took a long process.”
Understanding the Conflict in West Papua
West Papua, a region formerly colonized by the Dutch, is now split into two provinces under Indonesian control. The area, rich in resources, remains divided from neighboring Papua New Guinea, which gained independence in 1975.
Rebels seeking independence have historically targeted aircraft perceived to be facilitating Jakarta’s authority.
The region has struggled for autonomy since a contentious UN-sponsored vote in 1969 resulted in Indonesian governance.
The conflict has been exacerbated by increasing violence and pro-independence campaigns since 2018, impacting both the local population and international relations.
