Responding to the release of New Zealand pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens after more than 19 months held in captivity led by a pro-independence group in the Papua region, the executive director of Amnesty International Indonesia, Usman Hamid, said:
“We share the relief of Mr Mehrtens’ family and friends who will finally see his return. We welcome his release and hope he is provided with appropriate support and care. This is a significant moment amid the conflict in Papua.
“The release of Mr Mehrtens is a reminder that conflict in the region continues to have a very real impact for people’s human rights.
This momentous development also demonstrates the power of non-violent means in addressing disputes between the pro-independence movement and the Indonesian authorities in a region where widespread human rights abuses persist.
“This moment should not stand alone. Mr Mehrtens’ release, after more than one and a half years in captivity, is a critical moment that signals the possibility of addressing wider grievances in Papua in a similar spirit of non-violence.”
Background
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage on 7 February 2023 by an armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Egianus Kogoya in Nduga Regency, Papua, was released on 21 September 2024. The captors initially said they would not release Mehrtens unless Indonesia’s government allowed Papua to become a sovereign country.
On 17 September 2024, the TPNPB proposed conditions for Mehrtens’ release, making a series of demands, including the involvement of the World Church Council (WCC) as the primary facilitator and the PNG Trust. The proposal also included some high-profile figures from Indonesia, Papua, civil society and the media.
However, according to media reports Mr Mehrtens has now been set free and the security officials said the release was achieved through cooperation with local communities, religious leaders and respected family leaders who are close to the captors.
In a video obtained by Amnesty International, Mr Mehrtens on 17 September 2024 said in Indonesian language that he was in good health and hoped to be able to go home soon and meet his family.
He was picked up safely by the security forces from Yuguru Village in Nduga and immediately flown to police headquarters in Timika on 21 September 2024. A picture showed him sitting next to an Indonesian police officer.
New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters has reportedly confirmed Mr. Mehrtens’ release. (*)