New Zealand pilot released from captivity in Indonesia’s Papua after nearly two years

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released after being kidnapped for more than 19 months in Indonesia’s Papua. He was freed by a joint team in the Nduga area and is currently undergoing health and psychological examinations in Timika regency. The West Papua National Liberation Army faction led by Egianus Kogoya had kidnapped Mehrtens on Feb. 7, 2023. Indonesian President Joko Widodo emphasized the priority of ensuring the pilot’s safety throughout the negotiation process. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed relief at Mehrtens’ safe return and praised the efforts of various agencies working towards his release. Indonesian authorities, led by Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, utilized a peaceful approach involving religious and traditional leaders to secure Mehrtens’ release. The Indonesian police are set to hold a press conference regarding the incident. Previously, another New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, was killed by separatist rebels in Papua after landing his helicopter in a remote area in August.

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