New Zealand pilot Philippe Mertens freed by Papua rebels

A New Zealand pilot freed after greater than 19 months as a hostage in Indonesia by separatists says he’s “extraordinarily glad” to be again residence together with his household.

Philip Mehrtens, who was kidnapped by West Papua Nationwide Liberation Military militants in February 2023, was launched by Indonesian officers on Saturday after prolonged negotiations.

He appeared on digital camera trying skinny and bearded however was mentioned to be in good well being.

The 38-year-old man was kidnapped after a small industrial aircraft landed within the distant mountains of Nduga.

“I used to be launched at present. I’m glad to have the ability to go residence to my household quickly,” Mertens informed reporters in Timika in Indonesian.

“Thanks to everybody who helped me at present and allowed me to depart safely and in good well being.”

His launch follows months of “essential” diplomatic efforts by authorities in Wellington and Jakarta.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed the discharge, with New Zealand International Minister Winston Peters including: “His household will likely be completely delighted”.

Indonesian police spokesman Bayu Suseno mentioned Mr Mertens was launched and picked up in a village referred to as Yuguru in Maybarok district earlier than being flown to Timi card metropolis.

Days earlier than his launch, the rebels informed BBC Indonesia they’d launch Mr Mertens “safely and in accordance with worldwide requirements for the safety of human rights”.

“On this context, we within the West Papua Nationwide Liberation Military (TPNPB) stay dedicated to upholding the values ​​of peace, respect and dignity,” spokesperson Sebby Sambom mentioned.

The pilot, a father of 1, was flying to Jakarta to reunite together with his household.

In February final 12 months, he was kidnapped after the small passenger aircraft (belonging to Indonesian Susi Air) landed in Nduga.

He had deliberate to return hours later after dropping off his 5 passengers, however shortly after touchdown, rebels focused the single-engine aircraft and captured him.

5 different indigenous Papuan passengers have been launched.

The kidnapping is a part of an extended and brutal violent battle between the Indonesian authorities and West Papua’s indigenous individuals.

April, At least one Indonesian soldier killed Trying to find a kidnapped New Zealander in Papua was ambushed by rebels.

Final month one other New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, 50, was shot to death Two Indonesian well being employees and two youngsters survived after an impartial group referred to as the Group for a Free Papua (OPM) landed within the space.

Authorities say the group accountable for Mr. Corning’s demise is similar group that held Mr. Mertens prisoner.

A spokesman for the West Papua Nationwide Liberation Military beforehand informed BBC Indonesia they needed Mr Mertens imprisoned till international locations akin to “New Zealand and Australia” took duty for what they referred to as violence in Papua.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo mentioned on Saturday that Jakarta had ensured Mertens’ security by way of continued negotiations relatively than drive.

“We prioritize the security of the pilots who’re being held hostage. It is a lengthy course of,” he informed reporters.

The area is a former Dutch colony divided into two provinces: Papua and West Papua. It’s separate from Papua New Guinea, which gained independence from Australia in 1975.

Papuan rebels searching for independence from Indonesia have beforehand issued threats and attacked planes they believed have been carrying individuals and provides to Jakarta.

The resource-rich area has been mired in an independence battle because it was introduced below Indonesian management in 1969 in a controversial vote overseen by the United Nations.

Since then, conflicts between Papuan indigenous individuals and Indonesian authorities have develop into widespread. Since 2018, pro-independence militants have launched more frequent attacks.