Indonesia: Release of New Zealand pilot held hostage 'a significant moment amid conflict in Papua'

‘The release of Mehrtens is a reminder that conflict in the region continues to have a very real impact for people’s human rights’ – Usman Hamid

Responding to the release of New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens after more than 19 months held in captivity led by a pro-independence group in the Papua region, Usman Hamid, Amnesty International Indonesia’s Executive Director, said: 

“We welcome the release of Philip Mehrtens and hope he is provided with appropriate support and care.

“This is a significant moment amid the conflict in Papua. The release of Mehrtens is a reminder that conflict in the region continues to have a very real impact for people’s human rights. 

“This momentous development also demonstrates the power of non-violent means in addressing disputes between the pro-independence movement and the Indonesian authorities in a region where widespread human rights abuses persist.

“This moment should not stand alone. Mehrtens’ release, after more than one and a half years in captivity, is a critical moment that signals the possibility of addressing wider grievances in Papua in a similar spirit of non-violence.”