After 19 long months of captivity, New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released by rebels in Indonesia’s restive Papua region. Indonesian and New Zealand authorities confirmed on Saturday that the 38-year-old pilot is in good health despite the harrowing ordeal. Mehrtens, who worked for Indonesian airline Susi Air, was abducted by rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) insurgent group on February 7, 2022, at Papua’s Nduga airport.
The release came after intense diplomatic efforts by both Wellington and Jakarta. Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated that the pilot’s safety was secured through negotiations, not force. “We prioritized the safety of the pilot who was held hostage. It took a long process, and I appreciate the authorities,” Widodo told reporters.
The rebels, who had demanded Indonesian recognition of Papuan independence in exchange for Mehrtens’ freedom, did not respond to requests for comment following his release. The TPNPB had previously threatened to kill the pilot if negotiations failed, claiming that foreign nationals were targets due to their governments’ ties with Indonesia.
Mehrtens played a crucial role in providing essential air links and supplies to remote communities in Papua before his abduction. His release has brought immense relief to his family and friends. “This news must be an enormous relief for his friends and loved ones,” said New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters, who confirmed Mehrtens’ safety and well-being.
The pilot’s release comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Last month, another New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, was tragically shot and killed after landing in Papua with two Indonesian health workers and two children, all of whom survived. The military maintains a significant presence in Papua, a resource-rich but underdeveloped region plagued by a long-running separatist insurgency. The Indonesian military has been accused of human rights abuses in its efforts to quell the rebellion.
The separatist conflict in Papua dates back to 1961 when the former Dutch colony declared independence. However, neighboring Indonesia took control two years later, promising a referendum. In 1969, a UN-backed vote, which involved only 1,026 Papuans, resulted in the integration of Papua into Indonesia. Papuan independence activists have repeatedly criticized this vote, calling for fresh polls, but Jakarta maintains its sovereignty over the region, citing the UN-backed referendum.
The release of Phillip Mehrtens provides a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing unrest in Papua. The incident highlights the complexities of the conflict and the significant human cost of the struggle for independence. It also underscores the vital role played by international diplomacy in navigating such challenging situations.
