New Zealand pilot freed by Papua rebels says 'very happy' to go home

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens said on Saturday that he was looking forward to being reunited with his family following his release by rebels in Indonesia's restive Papua region after 19 months in captivity.

"Today, I have been freed. I am very happy to go home and meet my family soon. Thank you to everybody who helped me today so I can get out safely and in a healthy condition," he told reporters at a press conference in Indonesia.

AFP