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Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
World

Indonesian troops surround Papua hostage-takers

Indonesia Papua Philip Mehrtens Mahfud New Zealand Jakarta West Papua National Liberation Army
A man identified as New Zealand pilot Philip Mehrtens stands among separatist fighters who have been holding him since Feb 7 in Papua, in an image released on Feb 14, 2023. (Photo: West Papua National Liberation Army via Reuters)

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.

Philip Mehrtens, a Susi Air pilot, was taken hostage by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TNPB) on Feb 7 after landing in the remote region of Nduga.

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