Indonesia minister meets Nduga leaders to discuss New Zealand pilot release

A man, identified as Philip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot who is said to be held hostage by a pro-independence group, stands among the separatist fighters in Papua Highlands province, in this undated picture released on Feb 14, 2023. - Reuters

JAKARTA: Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Hadi Tjahjanto has met with three prominent figures from Nduga regency, Papua Highlands, to discuss the release of the New Zealand hostage and Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens.

Hadi said the three figures expressed their willingness to aid the government in releasing Mehrtens through a religious approach