A Year Kidnapped By KKB, Susi Air Pilot Philip Mertens Sends Video Message To Family

Susi Air Pilot Philip Mark Merthens, a New Zealand national, is being held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya (@hurimonitore)

JAKARTA - A New Zealand pilot Susi Air, Philip Mehrtens, who has been held hostage by an armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua, looks thin and neglected. This is known, when he sent a message to his family.

Philip Mehrtens, who was kidnapped in February 2023 after landing his plane in a remote area of Nduga, Papua, told his wife and son that he loved them. He admitted that he tried to remain positive.

He was detained by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TNP), a rebel group that repeatedly threatened to execute him unless he was given independence from Indonesia.

In a video recorded on December 22, 2023, but only released on Tuesday, February 13, the 38-year-old man admitted that he was treated well, even though his face was thin, his hair was long, and his beard was not maintained.

Mehrtens laughed when he introduced himself. He explained that the footage was taken by the KKB commander, who is thought to be Egianus Kogoya, the KKB leader in Nduga who set fire to the plane and absorbed him last year.

"I'm fine. They treat me well. I try to stay positive. I hope you and Jacob are healthy and well and get support. Later when we meet again, the Commander says we can try calling via WiFi, "said Mehrtens' message.

"I really love you both, really miss you both, and hope to talk to you soon," he concluded.

In a video uploaded to social media last week, the 38-year-old had pleaded with the New Zealand Government to send one or two suction drugs (inhaler) if he had an asthma attack.

"If possible, can I read an e-book like Kindle with as many English books as possible, it will be highly appreciated," he asked.

The Indonesian military has swept through the Nduga mountain area to search for Mehrtens after his single-engined plane was invaded by the KKB. He landed at Paro Airport to evacuate health workers who were threatened by the group.

Six Indonesian soldiers were killed in a shootout with separatists when they were attacked while searching for the New Zealander.