Jakarta, VIVA – New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters welcomed the release of Susi Flight captain Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the Free Papua Organisation (FPO) for more than a year and a half.
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Philip has been held hostage by the OPM group led by Egianus Kogoya since 7 February 2023, when he was ambushed after landing a Susi Air plane he was flying in Paro, Nduga Regency, Papua Highlands.
“We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrten is safe and in contact with his family. This news is certainly a relief to his family and friends,” Peters said Saturday.
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According to a written statement from the New Zealand government seen in Jakarta, the New Zealand Foreign Minister praised the role of government agencies and other stakeholders who continue to coordinate with the Indonesian government to free Philip.
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“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, through its staff in Indonesia and Wellington, continues the government’s efforts to secure the release of Phillip Mehrtens and support his family,” Peters said.
New Zealand’s foreign minister also praised the media for their attentiveness and cooperation in reporting on the hostage situation of pilot Philip.
He also reminded the media to continue to respect the privacy of the Philipp family, as requested after the release of the Susi Air pilot.
Pilot Susi Air, Kapten Philips Max Mehrtens disandera KKB Papua.
The Public Relations Task Force of Peace Operation Kartenz 2024, AKBP Bayu Suseno, had earlier said that pilot Philip was successfully freed on Saturday morning by a joint team in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency.
Philip was immediately flown to Timika in Central Papua where he was examined by the Kartens 2024 peacekeeping medical team. The pilot’s health and mental state are good despite his weight loss.
Bayu said that pilot Philip was flown from Timika to Jakarta at 15:30 WIT in transit at Sultan Hasanuddin Airport in Makassar to return to New Zealand. (ant)
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New Zealand’s foreign minister also praised the media for their attentiveness and cooperation in reporting on the hostage situation of pilot Philip.
