NZ pilot Philip Mehrtens freed from captivity in West Papua

· RNZ
Philip Mehrtens is seen in video from Indonesian media.Photo: Screenshot

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has reportedly been freed from more than 1 1/2 years in captivity in West Papua, Indonesia.

The Indonesian police announced it in a statement on Saturday, Reuters reported.

New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens was photographed with his rebel captors in Indonesia's Papua region.Photo: Supplied/TPNPB

The armed faction of the West Papua National Liberation Army kidnapped Phillip Merhtens in February last year after he landed a small commercial plane in a remote, mountainous area.

Indonesia has previously said it had prioritised talks with religious and community leaders to free the pilot, as a military operation in the rugged highland area presented dangers.

RNZ has approached the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.

More to come.

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