Two men have been charged in an Australian court for allegedly trafficking guns and ammunition to a group of armed rebels after they kidnapped a New Zealand pilot and held him in captivity in West Papua for almost two years.

The two men, one from Queensland (QLD) and the other from New South Wales (NSW), are accused of supplying weapons to the National Liberation Army of West Papua (TPNPB).

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) say the arrests followed a lengthy investigation involving multiple agencies. The investigation started after members of the TPNPB kidnapped New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens in February 2023 while he was landing at a remote airstrip in Indonesia's West Papua region.

Mehrtens had been flying there as a pilot but was taken hostage by the TPNPB after landing. He was held for 592 days before being released in September 2024.

The 64-year-old man from NSW and the 44-year-old man from Queensland are also accused of attempting to transport firearms from Australia to the TPNPB and allegedly talked about getting military weapons for the rebel group.

Court reports also reveal that the NSW man travelled to Indonesia in early 2024 to meet with members of the TPNPB and reportedly smuggled an optical rifle scope into the country.

The two men allegedly attempted to transport firearms and ammunition to the violent paramilitary group from Australia. Photo/Australian Federal Police

In November 2024, investigators searched the accused's homes in Urunga, NSW, and Eagleby, Queensland, seizing several suspicious items, including 13.6 kilograms of mercury.

The NSW man faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to traffic weapons, while the Queensland man is charged with possessing explosives, which could lead to a maximum of six months in prison. Both men are scheduled to appear in Brisbane’s Magistrates Court on 17 October 2025.

Police Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt warns that anyone involved in trafficking illegal weapons to international groups will be targeted. “The AFP works closely with our international partners, including New Zealand Police, to protect the community by disrupting criminal syndicates and removing illegal firearms.”

The cases of bullets seized in search warrants. Photo/Australian Federal Police

What is the National Liberation Army of West Papua?

The TPNPB is the armed group fighting for the independence of West Papua from Indonesia.

West Papua, located on the western half of New Guinea, is rich in natural resources but has been under Indonesian control since the 1960s, despite many local people wanting independence.

The region, also known as Indonesian Papua, includes West Papua and its surrounding islands and is home to over 250 different tribal groups.

Its history includes Dutch colonisation, a declaration of independence in 1961, and ongoing conflicts and human rights issues as it remains under Indonesian rule. 

Benny Wenda says West Papua is ready to gain independence from Indonesia. Photo/Facebook/Benny Wenda

West Papua ready to gain independence - Wenda

Benny Wenda, the leader of West Papua's Provisional Government, announced that the territory is preparing to seek independence amid Indonesia's political turmoil.

In a statement, Wenda claims that corruption, economic struggles, and police brutality have sparked massive protests in Indonesia. He called on his people to prepare for what he believes will be a major step towards independence.

Wenda criticised the Indonesian government's legitimacy, saying that after 60 years of occupation, Jakarta has lost the trust of its people.

Since 25 August 2025, there have been protests against President Prabowo Subianto's government, which are reminiscent of the demonstrations in 1998 that ended the dictatorship of President Suharto (one name).

The protests started over a proposed increase in housing allowance for MPs and intensified after police violence against residents.

Wenda says West Papua is a Melanesian country and has been unfairly occupied by Indonesia, which itself was also colonised but gained complete independence.

Wenda says the recent protests have been so powerful that they indicate a potential change in power within Indonesia, with the government even reversing some of its "controversial proposals".

West Papua has already established its own government structure on the ground, signalling its readiness to govern itself independently, Wenda says.