Merhtens, who works for frontier airline Susi Air, was abducted by the West Papua Liberation Army (TPNPB), an affiliate of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), in February following a routine flight to Nduga regency, Papuan Highlands province.

In the five months Merhtens has been held hostage, the government has claimed to be prioritizing peaceful negotiation, although this has not prevented skirmishes between security forces and the TPNPB from breaking out over the past months.

Amid the stalled negotiations, Komnas HAM Papua office head Frits Ramandey said he had spoken with TPNPB leader Egianus Kogoya regarding Mehrtens’ condition.

“Thus far, Egianus is still honoring the humanitarian treatment of the hostage,” Frits said on Monday, as quoted by Kompas.id, adding that Merhtens was still healthy.

Frits went on to say that while the Komnas HAM’s Papua office would maintain communication with the TPNPB, it also urged the government to quickly appoint a negotiator, particularly since the TPNPB had appointed its own negotiator to engage with the government.

“Talks between negotiators are only the initial stages. During the talks, [hopefully] the terms [of Merhtens’ release] can be agreed upon by both parties," said Frits. “Philip's rescue is very important for the safety of the people in Nduga. If it goes awry, it will trigger conflict between the group and the security forces."