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New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens poses with rebel captives in Indonesia’s Papua region in February 2023.
photo: Provided by/TPNPB
A separatist group in Indonesia’s easternmost Papua region has agreed to release New Zealand pilot Philippe Mertens He has been held captive for more than a year since his abduction, according to an audio message released by the spokesman on Saturday.
On February 7, 2023, Mertens was abducted by an armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), led by Egianus Kogoya, after landing a small commercial plane in the remote Nduga Mountains.
Spokesman Sebby Sambom said Kogoa had agreed to release Mertens and was working on a release plan, but added that it could take up to two months.
“Commander Aegianus humbly said that for humanitarian reasons we will release the pilot,” he said, without giving a specific time.
The Indonesian military did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Indonesia has previously said it had prioritized negotiations with religious and community leaders to release the pilot because of the dangers of conducting military operations in the rugged highland region.
In February, New Zealand calls for Mertens’ immediate releaseone year after he was kidnapped.
The Group Posted videos of pilots several timesIn one photo, he was shown holding the banned Morning Star flag surrounded by Papuan fighters.
A smaller but increasingly deadly independence war has raged in Papua’s resource-rich west, with attacks becoming more deadly and frequent as independence fighters gain access to better weapons.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in a statement it was “aware of reports and speculation online” and had no further comment at this time.
“The safety and well-being of Philippe Mertens remains our top priority and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure a peaceful resolution and Philippe’s safe release, including working closely with the Indonesian authorities and deploying New Zealand consular staff.
“We also support Philip’s family, both in New Zealand and in Indonesia.”
– Reuters and Radio New Zealand
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