West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB)

New Zealand pilot taken hostage by West Papua separatist group after plane set alight

Key points:

  • Military personnel are searching for the pilot and five passengers
  • The West Papua National Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack
  • The rebel group say it will release the pilot when the government recognises the region's independence

A police spokesperson in Papua province, Ignatius Benny Adi Prabowo, said authorities were investigating the incident, with police and military personnel sent to the area to locate the pilot and five passengers.