NZ Pilot Hostage Freed by Papua Rebels

(iStock)

By:

Team of Hukumindo

Previously, the www.hukumindo.com platform has talk about "Indonesian and Singaporean Lawyers Strengthen Cross-border Legal Cooperation", "Perihal Perjanjian Pisah Harta", you may read also "The Case of Grandpa Mujiran: Jailed for Selling Rubber Sap Residue" and on this occasion we will discuss about 'NZ Pilot Hostage Freed by Papua Rebels'.

A New Zealand pilot who has been freed more than 19 months after being taken hostage by separatists in Indonesia says he is "very happy" to be going home to his family. Philip Mehrtens was kidnapped by West Papua National Liberation Army fighters in February 2023 and was released after lengthy negotiations into the care of Indonesian officials on Saturday. He appeared before cameras looking thin and with a full beard but is said to be in good health. The 38-year-old was kidnapped after he landed a small commercial plane in the remote, mountainous area of Nduga.[1]

"Today I have been freed. I am very happy that shortly I will be able to go home and meet my family," Mr. Mehrtens, speaking in Indonesian, told reporters in Timika. "Thank you for everybody who helped me today, so I can get out safely in a healthy condition." His release follows months of "critical" diplomatic efforts by authorities in Wellington and Jakarta.[2] And if you have any legal issue in Indonesia territory, contact us for business inquiry, feel free in 24 hour, we will be glad to assist you. 

*) For further information please contact:

Mahmud Kusuma Advocate

Law Office

Jakarta - Indonesia.

E-mail: mahmudkusuma22@gmail.com

________________

References:

1. "Pilot hostage freed by Papua rebels 'very happy' to go home", www.bbc.com, 21 September 2024, Diakses pada tanggal 20 Juni 2026, Link: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3wp8ndnv9qo

2. Ibid.