New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released from captivity by rebels in Indonesia's restive region of Papua, and was in good health despite his 19-month-long ordeal, the Indonesian and New Zealand authorities said on Sept 21.
Mr Mehrtens, 38, was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air when he was snatched by rebels at Nduga airport in Papua on Feb 7, 2023.
A joint task force of the police and military collected Mr Mehrtens in a village in the Nduga district early on Sept 21, before he was given medical and psychological checks and flown to the Papuan city of Timika, said the unit's head Faizal Ramadhani.
“Today I have been freed. I am very happy that shortly I will be able to go home and meet my family,” Mr Mehrtens told reporters in Timika, speaking in Bahasa Indonesia. “Thank you to everybody who helped me today, so I can get out safely in a healthy condition.”
The New Zealand government said Mr Mehrtens was doing well and had spoken to his family, which had been assisted by Wellington.
この記事は The Straits Times の September 22, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Straits Times の September 22, 2024 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
On social media
CLOSE SHAVES ON STAGE: Hong Kong \"Heavenly Kings\" Andy Lau and Aaron Kwok gave their fans a scare at their respective concerts on Dec 27.
Playground for Birds and Squirrels
Hungarian artist Tamas Kanya (above) with the feeding ground he created for birds and squirrels in Budakalasz, a central Hungarian town, in November.
Gal Gadot diagnosed with blood clot in brain during pregnancy
Israeli actress Gal Gadot, who gave birth to her fourth child earlier in 2024, revealed that she was diagnosed with a massive blood clot in her brain during the eighth month of the pregnancy in February.
Taiwanese singer Vivian Hsu caught in Bukit Timah flash floods
Taiwanese singer-actress Vivian Hsu (right) was caught in the flash floods that occurred in Bukit Timah following an afternoon deluge across Singapore on Dec 29.
Yuewen Music Festival Complaints abound, but K-pop stars lift spirits
Complaints about the inaugural three-day Yuewen Music Festival held at Sentosa's Siloso Beach did not abate on its second day on Dec 29, as irate attendees continued to lash out about inconveniences related to bad weather.
4 places that remind me why travel matters
The writer visited Zambia, Alaska, Sicily and Venice to venture beyond her comfort zone
Usher in New Year in Japan like a local
Eat traditional food, visit a shrine and see the Japanese imperial family
New destinations for the new year
Up-and-coming places include Yunnan, Okinawa, Saudi Arabia and Tanzania
Lions Bring Back Belief But Still Need To Improve
The Lions' run to the Asean Championship semi-finals has reignited belief in the national team, said observers a day after Singapore's campaign was ended by Vietnam in the last four.
Be Bold Against The Old
Ogura dares younger Lions to stop being 'too nice' and fight for playing time
