Who is Phillip Mehrtens? The New Zealand pilot freed after 18 months in captivity in Indonesia

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released after more than 18 months of captivity by an armed faction in Indonesia’s Papua region. Abducted in February 2023 while flying for Susi Air, Mehrtens is now safe and undergoing medical evaluations. The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed his release, facilitated by collaborative efforts with Indonesian authorities.