Indonesia and New Zealand deny Papua rebel claim 'bribe' paid for pilot release

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens (centre) talks to the media during a news conference after his release, in Timika, Papua province, Indonesia on Saturday, Sep 21, 2024. - File photo: AP

JAKARTA (AFP): Jakarta and Wellington denied Monday a claim by rebels in Indonesia's restive region of Papua that a New Zealand pilot was freed from captivity over the weekend after they received payment from a local leader.

Phillip Mehrtens, 38, was released on Saturday by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) insurgent group after 19 months in captivity.