NZ pilot Philip Mehrtens freed from captivity in West Papua
· RNZNew 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.
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.