New Zealand Pilot Freed After 19 Months in Papua

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed after being held captive for over 19 months by armed separatists in Indonesia's Papua region. He was rescued by a joint team in the Nduga area and is currently undergoing health check-ups and psychological evaluations in Timika regency. Indonesian President Joko Widodo highlighted the focus on the pilot's safety during the lengthy negotiation process, which involved various New Zealand government agencies collaborating with Indonesian authorities. Mehrtens, who was kidnapped by a faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army on February 7, 2023, was shown tearfully speaking with his family shortly after his release. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters expressed relief at the safe return of Mehrtens, noting the emotional toll on his family. The Indonesian police plan to hold a press conference to provide further details about the rescue operation.