In February 2023, TPNPB rebels in Papua set fire to a Susi Air plane and kidnapped New Zealander pilot, Mehrtens, holding him in captivity while releasing five other passengers. Mehrtens made sporadic appearances in videos, likely under duress, asking for medication for his asthma. His appearance changed drastically over time as he remained in captivity.
Despite his difficult situation, Mehrtens appeared to be in good physical condition in images released by Indonesian authorities. Described by friends as a kind and gentle man, Mehrtens had been flying into remote areas of Papua to provide aid that many others would not access. Indonesia maintains a heavy military presence in Papua due to a long-running separatist insurgency, with rebel attacks on the rise in recent years.
Another New Zealand pilot, Glen Malcolm Conning, was tragically shot dead in the region recently, highlighting the dangers faced by those flying in remote areas of Papua. The Melanesian population in Papua has few cultural connections with the rest of Indonesia, and the region has a history of gross human rights abuses by the military. Papua declared independence in 1961, but Indonesia took control in 1963 following a UN-backed vote in which only a small number of Papuans participated.
Independence activists in Papua regularly call for fresh referendums to determine the region’s sovereignty, but Jakarta maintains that its control over Papua is supported by the United Nations. The conflict in Papua continues to escalate, with rebel attacks on civilians and security forces contributing to instability in the region. The situation remains complex, with various actors involved in the conflict and ongoing efforts to address the root causes of the unrest in Papua.
Mehrtens’ captivity and the broader context of the conflict in Papua highlight the challenges faced by those living and working in the region. The need for international attention and support to address the human rights abuses and violence in Papua is crucial, as the situation continues to deteriorate. The impact on local communities, as well as on individuals like Mehrtens, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Papua and for greater efforts to promote human rights and stability in the region.
