Rebels holding NZ pilot in Indonesia's Papua prepared to drop key demand

A man who is identified as Philip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot who is said to be held hostage by a pro-independence group, sits among the separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region, March 6, 2023. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB)/Handout via REUTERS

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Separatist rebels in Indonesia's Papua region who are holding a New Zealand pilot hostage are prepared to drop a demand that Jakarta recognise the independence of the area before they could consider freeing him, a rebel spokesperson said on Thursday.

Susi Air pilot Phillip Mehrtens was abducted by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) in the Papuan highlands area of Nduga two months ago after a routine flight to the area.