A separatist group in the easternmost region of Papua in Indonesia has reportedly agreed to release New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, who has been held captive for over a year since being kidnapped. According to an audio message from a spokesperson on Saturday, an armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), led by Egianus Kogoya, abducted Mehrtens on February 7, 2023, following his landing of a small commercial aircraft in the remote, mountainous Nduga area.
Kogoya has consented to the release of Mehrtens and is in the process of making arrangements to do so, as stated by the spokesperson, Sebby Sambom. The release may take up to two months to be executed. “Commander Egianus has expressed a willingness, out of humanity, to set the pilot free,” he remarked, without providing a specific reason for the timeframe.
Indonesia’s military has not yet responded to requests for comments. Previously, Indonesia had indicated that it was engaging in discussions with religious and community leaders in an effort to secure the pilot’s release, citing the dangers posed by military operations in the rugged highland region.
In February, New Zealand had called for the immediate release of Mehrtens, a year after his abduction. The separatist group has released multiple videos of the pilot, where he was seen holding the prohibited Morning Star flag and surrounded by Papuan fighters, soliciting United Nations intervention for negotiations regarding Papua’s independence.
A conflict for independence has been ongoing in the resource-rich western part of Papua, resulting in increasingly deadly skirmishes as the separatists have acquired more advanced weaponry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade stated that it is aware of the online reports and speculations, declining to provide further comments at this time.
The safety and well-being of Phillip Mehrtens remain a top priority, and efforts are being made to secure a peaceful resolution and his safe release, including close collaboration with Indonesian authorities and the deployment of New Zealand consular staff. Support is also being extended to Mehrtens’ family, both in New Zealand and Indonesia.
