New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens freed by Papua rebels after 19 months

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New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed by rebels in Papua, Indonesia, 19 months after being kidnapped. Mehrtens, who was held by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) since February 7, 2023, was released in good health, according to Indonesian police.

Faizal Ramadhani, head of a special unit managing the Papua conflict, confirmed that Mehrtens had been flown from the mountainous Nduga region to Timika for further medical and psychological checks. The pilot was kidnapped after landing his small commercial plane in Nduga, with the TPNPB demanding Papuan independence in exchange for his release.

The New Zealand government confirmed that Mehrtens had spoken to his family and is doing well. New Zealand’s Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed relief over the pilot’s safe return, acknowledging the emotional toll on his friends and loved ones.

The indigenous people of Papua, ethnically Melanesian, have long sought independence from Indonesia, which took control of the region after a controversial UN-backed referendum. Indonesian authorities are expected to hold a news conference to provide more details on Mehrtens's release.