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STORY: The rebel separatists in Indonesia who took a man from New Zealand hostage last week have released images that appear to show their captive in good health, but say he won't be released until authorities acknowledge the rebels as independent - even if that means holding him as "collateral" for life.

Philip Mehrtens is a pilot for an airline called Susi Air, and was abducted by the West Papua National Liberation Army when he landed his plane in a remote area.

One of their commanders, here, is saying they will not let him go without freedom for the Papua region of Indonesia, and that the entire country of Indonesia needed to open its eyes and acknowledge it.

The flag is the symbol of Papua independence.

A friend of Mehrtens confirmed to Reuters that the man in the photos appears to be him.

New Zealand's government has declined to comment on the images and on Monday Indonesia's chief security minister said he was focusing on what he called "persuasive" means to secure Mehrtens' release, and prioritizing his safety.