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

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

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

But in a text message to Reuters on Thursday TPNPB spokesperson Sebby Sambom said the group had dropped the independence demand and was instead pushing for dialogue.Sambom said the TPNPB, the armed wing of the Free Papua Movement , had not dropped its push to see the region granted independence in the long term, but recognised the need to ensure the pilot was released soon.

The Indonesian government said it has prioritised negotiations with religious and community leaders to secure Mehrtens' release, noting the dangers of a conducting a military operation in the rugged highland area.

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