DARK SECRETS: Philip mehrtens | Rare Historical Photos

Afternoon Update: grocery giants sued over ‘illusory’ discounts; new Socceroos coach; and abducted toddler found after 73 years

Anthony Albanese says if the allegations are found to be true it would be ‘completely unacceptable’ behaviour by the supermarkets

The Guardian - AU · Sep 23, 2024

New Zealand pilot kidnapping exposes Indonesia’s Papua ‘hotspot’

The incident in a remote highlands region has drawn renewed attention to one of the world’s least-known conflicts.

Al Jazeera · Jun 5, 2023

‘They’ll shoot me in two months,’ says New Zealand pilot captured in Indonesia’s Papua

‘We do not ask for money... We really demand our rights for sovereignty’

The Independent UK · May 27, 2023

Video released by Papuan fighters holding NZ pilot hostage warns 'ordeal could go on for a long time'

A New Zealand pilot, being held hostage in Indonesia's remote Papua region, warns his family that his ordeal "could go on for a long time," in a message sent via the rebels who are holding him captive.

ABC News · Mar 10, 2023

Indonesian troops surround Papua hostage-takers

JAKARTA: Security forces in the restive Papua region of Indonesia have surrounded separatists holding captive a New Zealand pilot, but will exercise restraint while negotiations for his release continue, a top security official said on Tuesday.

Bangkok Post · Feb 28, 2023

Indonesian security forces ready to rescue hostage pilot but New Zealand wanted plan ditched

Papuan police say New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens is in good health and negotiations are being prioritised, while the rebels say they want a UN-mediated discussion before releasing him.

ABC News · Feb 23, 2023

Factbox-Separatist insurgency in Indonesia's Papua region

The kidnapping of 37-year-old New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens by separatist rebels in Indonesia's easternmost region of Papua has thrown a spotlight on the decades-long, low-level insurgency in the remote, resource-rich area.

Reuters · Feb 23, 2023

Deadlier and more media savvy, separatist rebels evolve in Indonesia's Papua

Egianus Kogoya, the dreadlocked rebel behind the kidnapping of a New Zealand pilot this month in the highlands of Indonesia’s Papua region, is at the vanguard of an increasingly dangerous and media-savvy insurgency for independence.

Reuters · Feb 23, 2023

Indonesia military ready for operation to free NZ pilot, if talks fail

An Indonesian military commander in its restive Papua region on Thursday said a "law enforcement operation" was being prepared to free a New Zealand pilot held hostage by separatists, but only as a last resort if negotiations failed.

Reuters · Feb 16, 2023

Indonesia military court jails four soldiers over Papua killings

Four Papuan men were killed and their bodies mutilated after a deal to buy arms from the Indonesian troops fell apart.

Al Jazeera · Feb 16, 2023