NZ PILOT RELEASED AFTER OVER 19 MONTHS HELD HOSTAGE BY ARMED GROUP IN INDONESIA'S PAPUA

JAKARTA, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- Pilot Philips Mark Mehrtens of Susi Air has been released after over 19 months in captivity by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua in Indonesia’s easternmost region.

The New Zealand national was taken hostage by the KKB on February 7 last year when his charter flight was evacuating workers from the restive region and landed at Paro Airport in Nduga district.

The Peace Cartenz Task Force operation head, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, confirmed that the Indonesian government adopted a soft approach in negotiations, prioritising dialogue over armed action.

The task force engaged with religious leaders, church representatives, traditional local figures, and close family members of the armed separatist rebel’s head Egianus Kogoya.

“This strategy was crucial to minimise casualties among both authorities and civilians while ensuring the pilot’s safety,” he said in a statement.

Following extensive negotiations, Mehrtens, 38, was successfully rescued by a joint military and police team from the Peace Cartenz Task Force in Yuguru village, Maibarok district, on Saturday.

He was subsequently flown to Mobile Brigade Corps Command Headquarters Battalion B in Timika.

“The operation was successful, and Mehrtens was retrieved in good health. He was flown directly from Nduga to Timika,” said the spokesperson for the task force, Police Commissioner Bayu Suseno.

After his rescue, Mehrtens underwent a medical assessment and psychological evaluation to ensure his well-being.

-- BERNAMA