New Zealand, Indonesia rubbish bribe claims for pilot’s release: ‘this is a disgrace’

Sebby Sambom, a spokesman for the group, said the Indonesian government gave money to the acting chief of the Papuan district where Mehrtens was freed, accusing him of then paying the rebels, without providing evidence.

“The Indonesian military and police gave bribe money to Edison Gwijangge and his team,” he said in a statement on Monday, referring to the acting head of Nduga regency.

The funds then landed with the rebels “through a family system”, Sambom said. “The TPNPB … handed over the pilot to Edison. Then Edison … handed over the pilot to the Indonesian military and police.”