Abducted in the jungle New Zealander released after 19 months as a hostage in Papua

He lived as a hostage in the jungle for 19 months, now he is free: A pilot from New Zealand lived in captivity of rebels and is allowed to go home after lengthy negotiations.

A New Zealand pilot who was held captive for 19 months by separatist rebels in the Indonesian troubled region of Papua on the island of New Guinea has been freed. Police and military units picked up 38-year-old Philip Mark Mehrtens in the remote district of Nduga and flew him to the larger town of Timika, the police announced.

His release was preceded by lengthy negotiations with the rebels. It was initially unclear whether and what concessions they received in return. The man is in good health, but is undergoing medical and psychological examinations, said a police spokesman.

Long negotiations

The New Zealander had been working as a pilot for the local airline Susi Air when he was abducted by rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) in Nduga on February 7, 2023. The rebel group has been fighting against Indonesian rule for decades. In return for his release, the insurgents had initially demanded independence from Papua, raising concerns about the pilot's safety and the potential for further violence. After protracted negotiations, which also involved religious representatives and tribal leaders, the release then took place, it was said.

This outcome of the hostage-taking is a rare positive development in the long-running separatist conflict in Papua, according to observers. The resource-rich region is plagued by poverty and human rights violations. The Indonesian government has long been trying to suppress the uprising. Clashes between security forces and rebels have repeatedly resulted in civilian casualties and displacements. The state of Papua New Guinea lies to the east of the island.

SDA