The government handed over Mehrtens after he arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, on Saturday night (September 21).
"I represented the Indonesian government, officially handed over Captain Pilot Philip Mehrtens to the New Zealand government, represented by the New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Kevin Burnett," the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Hadi Tjahjanto, said at the air force base on Saturday.
According to him, Captain Mehrtens is now the responsibility of the New Zealand Embassy.
On the occasion, Tjahjanto said the process of releasing Mehrtens resulted from cooperation from several parties.
Therefore, he appreciated the work of Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), National Police (Polri), community leaders, traditional leaders, and religious leaders.
"Also to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, as well as the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, and various parties who have helped in the hostage release process," he added.
According to the minister, Mehrtens' release involved a long negotiation process and prioritizing a soft approach while considering the hostage's safety.
Tjahjanto then informed that the separatist group did not request a reward to release Mehrtens.
"They asked for nothing. We only (took) a persuasive approach," he remarked.
Meanwhile, the New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters was delighted to hear the release of Captain Mehrtens.
"We are pleased and relieved to confirm that Phillip Mehrtens is safe and already in contact with his family. This news will certainly be a relief to his family and friends," Peters said in a statement from his office on Saturday.
Mehrtens was released on Saturday, and was picked up by the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force team in Yuguru Village, Maibarok Sub-district, Nduga District.
He then flew to Timika for a health check. After being declared healthy, Mehrtens continued the journey from Timika to Jakarta using an Indonesian Air Force aircraft.
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Translator: Rio Feisal, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Arie Novarina
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