The news was confirmed by New Zealand’s Foreign Minister on Saturday, 21st of this month, marking an end to a prolonged hostage situation that began in February 2023.
Mehrtens was taken hostage by an armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) on 7th of February 2023, after landing a small commercial plane in the remote and mountainous region of Nduga, Papua.
His captors hoped to pressure New Zealand into influencing Indonesia to allow Papua to secede, a demand deemed highly unlikely to be met.
Mr. Waromi voiced hope that this situation would never be repeated and called on those working in private aviation in West Papua to refrain from taking directions from the Indonesian military, warning them not to risk their lives.
Waromi emphasised the role of the West Papuan people in ensuring Mehrtens’ safety, crediting General Pokoya’s leadership for keeping him alive during his captivity.
He also apologised to the pilot’s family in New Zealand, explaining that the TPNPB had intended to release Mehrtens earlier, but the Indonesian government had delayed his freedom.
Speaking at a press conference in Timika, Indonesia, Mehrtens expressed his gratitude to those involved in his rescue and said he was “very happy” to return home. He thanked everyone for ensuring his safety and health during his ordeal, stating, “Today, finally, I have been freed. I am very happy that shortly I will be able to go home and meet my family.”
According to Waromi, negotiations for Mehrtens’ release were prolonged due to the Indonesian government’s insistence on involvement. He claimed that despite the TPNPB’s willingness to release the pilot, the Indonesian military had prevented an earlier resolution, resulting in casualties on both sides. Waromi concluded by thanking God for watching over Mehrtens during his captivity and once again apologised to his family in New Zealand.
ezra@dailypost.vu
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