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Chilling images emerge of ex-Jetstar pilot being held hostage

Chilling images have emerged of a pilot from New Zealand after he was kidnapped by a group of West Papua separatist rebels last week.

The independence fighters from the West Papua Liberation Army, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement Paro, abducted Phillip Mehrtens, a pilot for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air on February 7, after his plane touched down in Paro, a remote West Papuan province of Nguda. The 37-year-old pilot flew for Jetstar from 2016 to 2019, news.com reported.

The plane, carrying five passengers, was scheduled to pick up 15 construction workers who had been in the area, but whose lives were threatened by the leader of the separatist rebels Egianus Kogoya, said Nduga district chief Namia Gwijangge, who was one of the passengers.

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by independence fighters in remote Papua province in Indonesia.
New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by independence fighters in remote Papua province in Indonesia. Source: West Papua Liberation Army via AP

"Our plan to evacuate the workers angered the rebels, who responded by setting fire to the plane and seizing the pilot," said Mr Gwijangge. "We deeply regret this incident."

Videos and photos have since been released by the rebels and show a man, believed to be Mr Mehrtens, surrounded by rebel fighters armed with guns, spears and bows and arrows. The abduction is part of their fight "to free Papua" from Indonesia.

Videos release showing pilot with rebels

In one video, the man is forced by the rebels to say, "Indonesia must recognise Papua is independent". Standing next to him is Kogoya who said, "I took him hostage for Papua independence, not for food or drinks".

"He will be safe with me as long as Indonesia does not use its arms, either from the air or on the ground," he said.

To release Mr Mehrtens, the rebels are reportedly demanding the removal of Indonesian troops from West Papua, a UN investigation into alleged human rights violations, a referendum of independence and a cancellation of 'Special Autonomy'.

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by independence fighters in remote Papua province in Indonesia
The West Papua rebel group kidnapped the pilot on February 7 in their fight for independence from Indonesia. Source: West Papua Liberation Army via AP

Taking hostages is 'unacceptable', authorities say

Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs Mohammad Mahfud said the government was making every effort to persuade the rebels to release Mehrtens "because the priority is the safety of the hostage."

"Taking civilians hostage for any reason is unacceptable," Mahfud said in a video statement late Tuesday. He said persuasion is the best method to ensure hostage safety, but "the government does not rule out other efforts". He emphasised the government’s view that Papua is part of Indonesia.

New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Wednesday they are "aware of the photos and video circulating" but said they won't be commenting further at this stage. New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said "consular support is being provided to the family".

Papua police chief Mathius Fakhiri told reporters in Jayapura, the provincial capital, they are seeking to obtain the pilot’s freedom by involving several community leaders, including tribal and church figures, to build communication and negotiate with the rebels.

with AP

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