United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
New Zealand pilot kidnapped
Friday, 09 Feb, 2023
0
Indonesian security forces are searching remote West Papua after a New Zealand pilot was kidnapped.
The West Papua National Liberation Army said they took pilot Philip Mehrtens.
The Susi Air plane he landed was set on fire.
All passengers were released as they were all local Papuans.
It was likely a targeted kidnapping of a foreigner to gain exposure.
Also Susi Air’s founder is a prominent Indonesian political figure.
It happened in Paro, Nduga regency.
“Telecommunication access there is very limited, so there is very little information,” said Papua Police spokesperson Benny Prabowo.
Separatist groups have waged a years-long struggle for independence.
The New Zealand Embassy is providing consular support to the pilot’s family.
Read Full StoryRelated News Stories:
Ray Monty
Bubba O’Keefe on Clarksdale’s Vibrant Music Scene
Commemorating Elvis and Embracing Tupelo’s Culture with Jennie Bradford Curlee
Craig Ray and the Expansion of the Blues Trail
Presenting Mississippi’s Cultural Trails with Katie Coats
Robert Terrell: A Journey Through BB King’s Influence
Rochelle Hicks: Celebrating Mississippi’s Musical Legacy
Exploring Jacksonville with Katie Mitura: The Flip Side of Florida
Tricia Handley-Hughes of Inteletravel announces the location for the TravelQuest 2025 conference
Insights from James Ferrara on Inteletravel’s Growth and Future
Tricia Handley-Hughes on Inteletravel’s Growth and Challenges
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Dozens fall ill in P&O Cruises ship outbreak
Woman dies after getting ‘entangled’ in baggage carousel
Turkish Airlines flight in emergency landing after pilot dies
Boy falls to death on cruise ship
Protestors now targeting Amsterdam cruise calls