New Zealand aviator Philip Mehrtens is released after enduring 18 months of imprisonment in the Indonesian region of Papua
West Papua, Indonesia — New Zealand aviator Philip Matthews has experienced over 18 months of imprisonment in Indonesia's Papua, as reported by Indonesian authorities in a statement released on Saturday.
An extremist section of the West Papua Independence Army (TPNPB), spearheaded by Egianus Kogoya, abducted Matthews on February 7, 2023, following his landing of a modest commercial aircraft in the isolated, rugged expanse of Nduga.
"We're focusing on a strategy involving religious leaders, church elders, tribal chiefs, and Egianus Kogoya's immediate circle to reduce casualties and safeguard the aviator's well-being," remarked Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, the chief of Cartenz 2024 Peace Operations.
Matthews was liberated and retrieved by a combined team in Nduga Regency, where he is undergoing medical examinations and psychological assessments in Timika district, as per the police's statement.
The police have scheduled a press conference for further updates.
This narrative is still evolving and will be updated accordingly.
Despite the ongoing situation in West Papua, New Zealand has expressed concern over Matthews' detainment, calling for his safe release. Interested parties in Asia, including diplomats and human rights organizations, are closely monitoring the situation in West Papua.
