Phillip Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot, has been released after being held captive for 19 months by separatist rebels in Indonesia's Papua region. Mehrtens was abducted in February 2023 while working for Susi Air, an Indonesian aviation company. His release was the result of coordinated efforts by a task force, and he is reported to be in good health. The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the Papua region, where separatist groups have been fighting for independence from Indonesia.
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A New Zealand pilot is freed after 19 months in rebel captivity in Indonesia’s Papua region
JAKARTA, Indonesia — A New Zealand pilot held hostage for more than a year in the restive Papua region of Indonesia was freed Saturday by separatist rebels. Phillip Mark Mehrtens, a 38-year-old pilot from Christchurch, was working for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air when he was abducted by rebels from a remote airport on Feb. 7, 2023.
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New Zealand pilot freed in Indonesia after 19 months in rebel captivity
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released from captivity by rebels in Indonesia's restive Papua region and is in good health despite the 19-month ordeal, Indonesian and New Zealand authorities said Saturday.
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New Zealand pilot freed after 19 months in rebel captivity
A task force spokesperson said that Phillip Mehrtens’ release was the result of hard work from a small task force team
