A New Zealand pilot has been taken hostage while flying over Indonesia’s Papua province by an armed separatist group.
The pilot has been identified as Captain Philip Merthens, and local authorities are currently investigating the case.
Merthens was carrying five passengers on his plane, and Indonesia authorities are unclear on whether they were also taken.
It is understood that the plane operated by Susi Air departed from Mozes Kilangin Airport in Timika and arrived at Paro airport in Nduga at 6:17 a.m., eastern Indonesia time.
However, soon after landing, contact was lost with the plane, which was later found up in flames on an airstrip….