Phillip Mehrtens, a 38-year-old pilot working for the Indonesian airline Susi Air, was kidnapped on February 7, 2023, by fighters from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) after landing a small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous Nduga region of Papua. Mehrtens was taken shortly after dropping off five passengers, who were later released, while he was held captive.
Following months of negotiations facilitated by religious and tribal leaders in Nduga, Mehrtens was finally handed over to Indonesian authorities on Saturday, September 21, 2024. He appeared thin and had grown a full beard but was reported to be in good health. The Indonesian police confirmed that Mehrtens had been taken to the town of Timika in Central Papua province, where he underwent medical and psychological evaluations before being reunited with his family.
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed relief and gratitude for Mehrtens’ safe release, while Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated, “We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrtens is safe and well and has been able to talk with his family. This news must be an enormous relief for his friends and loved ones.”
Mehrtens himself expressed happiness at his release, stating in Indonesian, “Today I have been freed. I am very happy that shortly I will be able to go home and meet my family. Thank you for everybody who helped me today, so I can get out safely in a healthy condition.”
The TPNPB, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, has been fighting for independence from Indonesian rule for decades. Following Mehrtens’ abduction, the group had demanded independence for Papua in exchange for his release. Video footage of Mehrtens surrounded by armed rebels circulated online over the months, drawing widespread attention.
#WestPapua: The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) has released footage showing New Zealander pilot Philip Mehrtens alive in custody of the group. Merhtens was taken hostage after his plane landed in the Nduga region last week.https://t.co/zojUDSnX6d pic.twitter.com/8Vng2Kcmec
— POPULAR FRONT (@PopularFront_) February 15, 2023
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