1Berita News – New Zealand has called for the immediate release of one of its citizens and Susi Air pilot, Philip Mehrtens, who has been held captive by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya in Papua for a year.

In a written statement, New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters emphasized his country’s urge for the armed faction of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) to promptly release Mehrtens.

“We strongly urge those holding Phillip to release him immediately and unharmed. His continued detention benefits no one,” Peters said on Monday (5/2).

Peters stated that the New Zealand government continues to coordinate and collaborate extensively with authorities in Indonesia to ensure Mehrtens’ safe release.

Meanwhile, West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, also echoed the call for Mehrtens’ immediate release through a release on Monday (5/2).

Sambom reminded his faction that no country in history has gained independence by hostage-taking.

However, Egianus’ faction has not responded to New Zealand’s latest demand so far.

The Indonesian government itself has prioritized negotiations through religious figures and local authorities to free Mehrtens.

AKBP Bayu Suseno, the spokesperson for Operation Cartenz Peace Task Force, emphasized that negotiation efforts with Egianus’ group are still ongoing through local authorities.

He explained that liberation efforts are still being pursued through persuasive means despite the hostage situation having lasted for nearly a year.

Mehrtens was abducted by the KKB on February 7, 2023, when landing his plane in a remote mountainous area in Nduga, Papua.

So far, the KKB has demanded several requests, including efforts for negotiations for Papua’s independence. If the government refuses, the KKB threatens to execute Mehrtens.