<div style="text-align: justify; "><b style="font-size: 1rem;">A New Zealand pilot has been taken hostage by separatist fighters in Indonesia's Papua region who have threatened to kill him.</b><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The man was taken after his plane was set alight when it landed in the mountainous district of Nduga.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Five passengers who were on board, including a young child, are thought to have been released.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The separatists want Indonesia to recognise the independence of the province of West Papua.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Police have said they are investigating the incident - but say this is logistically difficult as the area can only be reached by air.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The pilot has been named as Philip Merthens, although different spellings for his name have been given.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The West Papua National Liberation Army - which Indonesia has designated as a terrorist group - has claimed responsibility for the attack.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The group's spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, has said the pilot will be executed if Indonesia "is obstinate" and fails to negotiate over the independence of West Papua.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The New Zealand government has said that it is aware of the situation and its consulate in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, is providing assistance to the pilot's family.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The plane, which belonged to Susi Air, was carrying supplies from the mining town of Timika in the neighbouring district, according to the Associated Press. BBC</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>