New Zealand pilot kidnapped

Sunday, 09 Feb, 2023 0

Indonesian security forces are searching remote West Papua after a New Zealand pilot was kidnapped.

The West Papua National Liberation Army said they took pilot Philip Mehrtens.

The Susi Air plane he landed was set on fire.

All passengers were released as they were all local Papuans.

It was likely a targeted kidnapping of a foreigner to gain exposure.

Also Susi Air’s founder is a prominent Indonesian political figure.

It happened in Paro, Nduga regency.

“Telecommunication access there is very limited, so there is very little information,” said Papua Police spokesperson Benny Prabowo.

Separatist groups have waged a years-long struggle for independence.

The New Zealand Embassy is providing consular support to the pilot’s family.

Read Full Story


 

profileimage

Ray Monty



Most Read

Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know

Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham

Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago

Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research

Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact

Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference

Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role

Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal

Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination

Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness

Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future

Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
TRAINING & COMPETITION
Skip to toolbar
Clearing CSS/JS assets' cache... Please wait until this notice disappears...
Updating... Please wait...