New Zealand Pilots

Hostage situation: Pilots warned to take precautions in Papua, New Zealander says

This comes it was reported on Tuesday night that a New Zealander, working as a pilot for Susi Air, was taken hostage by separatist fighters in West Papua.

Reuters reported the West Papua National Liberation Army claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the pilot would not be released until the Indonesian government acknowledged the independence of West Papua.

The pilot was identified by Reuters as Captain Philip Merthens.