Indonesia’s Papua rebels ready to free New Zealand pilot held for over a year
- An Indonesian separatist group kidnapped Phillip Mehrtens on February 7, 2023 after he landed a small commercial plane in a remote area of Papua
A separatist group in Indonesia’s easternmost region of Papua has agreed to free New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens from more than a year in captivity since kidnapping him, according to an audio message issued by a spokesperson on Saturday.
An armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), led by Egianus Kogoya, kidnapped Mehrtens on February 7, 2023 after he landed a small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous area of Nduga.
Kogoya has agreed to release Mehrtens and is readying a plan to do so, the spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, said, adding that it could take up to two months.
“Commander Egianus has said humbly, for the sake of humanity, we will release the pilot,” he said, but gave no reason for the time frame.
Indonesia’s military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Indonesia has previously said it had prioritised talks with religious and community leaders to free the pilot, as a military operation in the rugged highland area presented dangers.