Airlines
Indonesia Steps Up Search for Kidnapped New Zealand Pilot
Papuan rebels have taken a Susi Air Pilatus PC-6 pilot hostage.
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The Indonesian Transport Ministry temporarily closed the Paro sub-district airfield in remote and militarized Nduga District in highland Papua on Wednesday following the hostage-taking of New Zealand pilot Capt. Philip Mark Merthens by Papuan rebels on February 7.

Merthens was operating a Susi Air Pilatus PC-6 Porter commercial charter flight, registration PK-BVY, with five passengers when he was overcome by separatist fighters in Paro shortly after landing. The West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB) has taken responsibility for the kidnapping and torching of the aircraft and has threatened to kill Merthens unless Indonesia recognizes West Papua as an independent state.

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