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 pleased” to be again dwelling along with his household.

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

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

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

“I used to be launched as we speak. I’m pleased to have the ability to go dwelling to my household quickly,” Mertens advised reporters in Timika in Indonesian.

“Thanks to everybody who helped me as we speak 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 Overseas Minister Winston Peters including: “His household shall be completely delighted”.

Indonesian police spokesman Bayu Suseno stated 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 advised BBC Indonesia they might 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 stated.

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

In February final 12 months, he was kidnapped after the small passenger airplane (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 airplane 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 the 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 demise An impartial group referred to as the Group for a Free Papua (OPM) landed within the space with two Indonesian well being employees and two youngsters, all of whom survived.

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

A spokesman for the West Papua Nationwide Liberation Military beforehand advised BBC Indonesia they wished to carry Mr Mertens till international locations resembling “New Zealand and Australia” took duty for his alleged function within the violence in Papua.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo stated on Saturday that Jakarta had ensured Mertens’ security by means of continued negotiations fairly than drive.

“We prioritize the protection of the pilots who’re being held hostage. It is a lengthy course of,” he advised 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 looking 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 underneath Indonesian management in 1969 in a controversial vote overseen by the United Nations.

Since then, conflicts between Papuan indigenous individuals and Indonesian authorities have grow to be frequent. Since 2018, pro-independence militants have launched extra frequent assaults.