New Zealand pilot Mehrtens freed after abduction by Papuan separatists

timika - A New Zealand pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, who was abducted by Papuan separatists in early 2023 has been released and taken to a hospital in Timika for medical check-up.

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, who was abducted by Papuan separatists earlier this year, has been released. He expressed his joy at being able to return home quickly and see his family again.

Mehrtens, who landed a small commercial plane in the remote mountainous area of Nduga in February 2023, was kidnapped by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB). Three months after his abduction, the separatists released a video in which the emaciated Mehrtens stated that the TPNPB wanted other countries besides Indonesia to be involved in discussions regarding an independent Papua.

His release was achieved through intensive diplomatic efforts by Wellington and Jakarta. Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated that Mehrtens' safety was secured through negotiations, not violence.

Indonesia's current provinces of Papua and West Papua were previously part of Dutch New Guinea. The area was handed over to Indonesia in 1962 under international pressure. In 1969, the United Nations instructed Indonesia to hold an independence referendum, which has been criticized for alleged local Papuan leaders being pressured to choose integration with Indonesia.