The group was doing fieldwork in distant Papua New Guinea when he was held at gunpoint by 20 males.
His captors are asking for $1.4 million {dollars}.
Papua New Guinea prime minister James Marape confirmed in a press convention a number of folks, together with an Australian, had been taken hostage.
“Unfortunately as of last night one Australian as well as a couple of Papua New Guineans were taken hostage in the middle of the Southern Highlands,” Marape stated.
“We have been keeping this under close wrap because of the sensitivity and the need for us to get our friends who have been captured get them alive and safe.
“The authorities for the final 18 or so hours have stored this to ourselves.”
Marape confirmed negotiations are underway and he is “prayerful” he will get them out.
“I wish to inform the households of these taken hostage that we have now been at work and speak to has been made with folks within the bush by way of secondary sources,” he said.
“We’re treating this very very diligently and thoroughly as a result of lives are in danger and life is at stake.”
9news.com.au contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade for comment.
Source: www.9news.com.au
