New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens freed by Papuan rebels after 19 months | Conflict Matters

Indonesian police say Mehrtens was airlifted from Mount Nduga and appears to be in good health.

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed by rebels in Indonesia’s troubled eastern region of Papua, 19 months after being kidnapped.

“Today, we picked up the pilot Phillip, who is in good health, and flew him from Nduga to Timika,” said Faizal Ramadhani, head of the special unit created to deal with the conflict in Papua, in a statement on Saturday. Mehrtens is undergoing a medical and physical examination, Indonesian police added.

West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) soldiers abducted Mehrtens on February 7 last year after he landed his small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous area of ​​Nduga.

They said they will release him only if Indonesia gives Papua its independence.

The New Zealand government said Mehtens is doing well and has spoken to his family.

“We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrtens is safe and well and has been able to speak to his family,” said Foreign Minister Winston Peters.

This news must be a great relief to his friends and loved ones.

The natives of Papua, who are of Melanesian origin, have been fighting for independence from Indonesia since the territory was annexed to the country following a controversial referendum supported by the United Nations.

New Zealand media reported earlier this week that the rebels proposed new terms for Mehtens’ release.

Indonesian police said they would hold a news conference about Mehrtens’ release later on Saturday.