New Zealand Prime Minister Chris Hipkins appealed for the release of a Kiwi pilot seized by Papua rebels in Indonesia six months ago on Wednesday.
Phillip Mehrtens, a New Zealander, was working for Indonesian airline Susi Air when he was kidnapped by separatists at Nduga airport in February.
“Philip is a much-loved father, husband, brother and son,” New Zealand’s prime minister told reporters in Auckland.
“I want to urge, once again, those who are holding Philip to release him immediately.
“There is absolutely no justification for taking hostages.
“The longer Philip is held, the more risk there is to his well being and the harder this becomes for him and for his family.”
Hipkins stated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was spearheading New Zealand’s reaction by collaborating with Indonesian officials.
The prime minister also stated that he spoke with Mehrtens’ family this week “to assure them that the government is doing everything possible to bring Philip home.”
“I acknowledge this is an incredibly challenging time for them,” he said.
“Philip’s safety and well-being remains our top priority.”
The rebels who kidnapped Mehrtens are from insurgent group the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB).
They had earlier requested that Indonesia recognize Papuan independence in exchange for the release of the New Zealander.
Armed rebels ambushed soldiers seeking for Mehrtens in April, killing at least one of them, according to the Indonesian army.
Papua is a former Dutch colony that achieved independence from the Netherlands in 1961. However, two years later, neighboring Indonesia assumed control, pledging an independence referendum.
A following vote in favor of remaining a part of Indonesia was widely seen as a forgery.
