NZ Warned of Possible Indonesian Retaliation After Pilot Released

Indonesia may launch a military assault on a West Papua province, putting thousands of innocent lives at risk, now that a New Zealand pilot has been released.

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens (C), who was snatched by rebels in Indonesia's restive region of Papua in February last year, speaks during a press conference following his release in Timika, Central Papua on September 21, 2024. New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been released from captivity by rebels in Indonesia's restive region of Papua and was in good health despite the 19-month-long ordeal, Indonesian and New Zealand authorities said on Sept. 21. Endy Langobelen/AFP via Getty Images

The release of New Zealand helicopter pilot Phillip Mehrtens by West Papuan rebels has sparked fears of a possible military response from Indonesia.

The United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) has voiced concerns but the Indonesian government has dismissed these fears as “baseless.”