New Zealand Pilot Phillip Mehrtens Freed After 19 Months in Papua, Indonesia
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released by separatist rebels in Indonesia’s Papua region, 19 months after his kidnapping. Mehrtens had been held captive since February 2023.
Kidnapping Incident
Mehrtens was taken hostage while working as a pilot at a remote airstrip in Paro, Papua on February 7, 2023. He was working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air when fighters from the West Papua Liberation Army stormed his single-engine plane. The plane carried five passengers, who were released because they were indigenous Papuans.
Government Efforts
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed his relief at the release of Mehrtens, stating, “We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrtens is safe and well and has been able to talk with his family.” He added that a wide range of government agencies worked with Indonesian authorities to secure Mehrtens’ release.
Rebel Actions
The West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement, had released photos in February 2023 showing Mehrtens standing among fighters who were holding weapons. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade led efforts to secure his release and supported his family during the ordeal.
Doubts Revealed
New Zealand -: New Zealand is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It is known for its beautiful landscapes and friendly people.
Pilot -: A pilot is a person who is trained to fly an aircraft, like an airplane or a helicopter.
Papua -: Papua is a province in Indonesia, which is a country in Southeast Asia. It is known for its dense forests and diverse wildlife.
Indonesia -: Indonesia is a large country made up of many islands in Southeast Asia. It is known for its rich culture and beautiful beaches.
Susi Air -: Susi Air is a small airline in Indonesia that operates flights to remote areas. It helps people travel to places that are hard to reach.
Foreign Minister -: A Foreign Minister is a government official who handles a country’s relationships with other countries. Winston Peters is the Foreign Minister of New Zealand.
West Papua Liberation Army -: The West Papua Liberation Army is a group that wants independence for the Papua region from Indonesia. They sometimes use force to achieve their goals.
