New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens Freed After 19 Months in Indonesia's Papua

Sep 21, 2024, 04:45 AM

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released after more than 19 months in captivity by separatist rebels in Indonesia's Papua region. Mehrtens, who was kidnapped in February 2023 by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), was held hostage in the remote, mountainous area. The armed faction, led by Egianus Kogoya, captured Mehrtens after he landed a small commercial plane for Susi Air. Indonesian police confirmed his release, which marks the end of a prolonged period of negotiations and efforts by both Indonesian and New Zealand authorities to secure his freedom.