In February 2023, TPNPB rebels set fire to a Susi Air plane and released five passengers, but held on to Mehrtens.
During his captivity in the Papuan countryside, the New Zealander made sporadic appearances on video, likely under duress, to address his family and his government.
The rebels said he was in good health throughout, but his appearance changed drastically over time, with the pilot becoming gaunt, long-haired and bearded in proof-of-life videos in which he asked for medication to aid his asthma.
Mehrtens appeared in good physical condition in handout images published by Indonesian authorities on Saturday.
“GENTLE MAN”
Mehrtens, a father of one, grew up in the New Zealand city of Christchurch.
During his captivity, he was described by friends as a “kind and gentle man” who was helping Papuans by flying into remote areas not accessible by road and that many would not fly to, according to New Zealand media outlets.
Indonesia maintains a heavy military presence in resource-rich but underdeveloped Papua to quell a long-running separatist insurgency.
Rebel attacks in the region have risen in recent years and flying is the only way to reach remote mountainous areas there.
Another New Zealander pilot, 50-year-old Glen Malcolm Conning, was shot dead last month after landing in the region with two Indonesian health workers and two children, all of whom survived.
Papua’s Melanesian population shares few cultural connections with the rest of Indonesia and the military has long been accused of gross human rights abuses there.
The former Dutch colony declared independence in 1961, but neighbouring Indonesia took control two years later, promising a referendum. In 1969, a thousand Papuans voted to integrate into Indonesia in a UN-backed vote.
Papuan independence activists regularly criticise the vote and call for fresh polls, but Jakarta says its sovereignty over Papua is supported by the United Nations.
