- Phillip Mehrtens, 38, has been released after 19 months spent in captivity after being kidnapped by rebels in Indonesia’s West Papua region. 

- Mehrtens was in good health and reunited with his family in Jakarta. 

- Footage has been released of the moment he was rescued from the jungle, showing him swarmed by a large crowd to shake his hand and wave at him. 

Footage has emerged of the moments New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens was released after 19 months in captivity. 

The West Papua National Liberation Army seized Mehrtens in February 2023 after he landed a small commercial plane in a remote area of Indonesia’s Papua region. 

In the video, hundreds of people swarm Mehrtens as he holds a chicken, presumably a gift, and boards a helicopter to leave the remote jungle. 

The people record Mehrtens and follow him as he walks to the helicopter. He turns to shake the hands of many people and waves to the crowd with a large smile on his face. 

He appears to be in good health and has since been reunited with his immediate family in Jakarta. 

Kiwi pilot Phillip Mehrtens the day he was released from captivity in Papua, with Former Acting Bupati of Nduga Regency, Edison Gwijangge. 

West Papua National Liberation Army spokesman Sebby Sambom claimed a bribe was paid by a local politician in Nduga province to hand Mehrtens over to authorities. 

• 'Long and arduous ordeal': Family of pilot share details of efforts to rescue him from rebels
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• 'Enormous relief': NZ pilot Philip Mehrtens freed from captivity in West Papua

Yesterday, Foreign Minister Winston Peters vehemently denied the report. 

Peters told RNZ’s Morning Report the allegations of a bribe are an “enormous disappointment”. 

He deemed the publishing of these allegations as a “disgrace”. 

“We don’t pay ransom, we don’t pay bribes.” 

He said there is no evidence that a bribe was paid and questioned why the allegations were run without authorisation. 

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens pictured at a press conference in Timika following his release / Photo / Cartenz Peace Task Force / AFP 

The family of Mehrtens have expressed their immense relief following his release after the “long and arduous ordeal” he suffered. 

“The last 19 and a half months have been very difficult for all of us, and we give our heartfelt thanks to our friends, family and community for their love and kindness during this time,” the statement said. 

“There were so many people involved in the effort to find and release Phil, and we are grateful to each and every one of them for the parts they played in helping with Phil’s safe return.” 

The family thanked the New Zealand Government, police, the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, Hostage International, and Susi Air for support and care provided to the family throughout the ordeal. 

“The team at Mfat and the embassy, in particular, went above and beyond from the minute Phil was taken. We are so grateful for the trust they placed in us and the daily updates they provided.”