New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens (left), who was snatched by rebels in Indonesia's restive region of Papua in February last year, checking a smartphone following his release, at a press conference in Timika. New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released from captivity by rebels in Indonesia's restive region of Papua and was in good health despite the 19-month-long ordeal, Indonesian and New Zealand authorities said on September 21. - AFP
WELLINGTON / JAKARTA (AFP): The family of a kidnapped New Zealand pilot on Sunday thanked the Indonesian rebels who released him for taking care of him during more than a year and a half in captivity.
Phillip Mehrtens, 38, was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air when he was snatched by rebels from the West Papua National Liberation Army insurgent group at Papua's Nduga airport on February 7 last year.
A day after his release was announced, Mehrtens' family issued a statement thanking all those involved in his liberation including the Indonesian government, police and military, and the New Zealand authorities.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto (centre), the Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces General Agus Subiyanto (left) and Indonesian Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo attend a press conference following the arrival of New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens, who was snatched by rebels in Indonesia's restive region of Papua in February last year, at Halim Perdanakusuma air base in Jakarta on September 21, 2024. - AFP
They also expressed thanks to Ekianus Kogoya, a military commander in the Papua rebel group, and his fighters for "keeping Phil as safe and healthy as their means allowed, and for allowing Phil to get several messages out during this period to let us know that he was alive and okay".
"Those messages filled our souls and gave us hope and that we would eventually see Phil again," the family said.
During his captivity in the Papuan countryside, the New Zealander made sporadic appearances on video to address his family and his government.
The rebels said he was in good health throughout, but his appearance changed drastically over time, with the pilot becoming gaunt, long-haired and bearded in proof-of-life videos.
Mehrtens appeared in good physical condition in handout images published by Indonesian authorities on Saturday. - AFP
