Jayapura- negotiations on the release of Susi Air Pilot, Captain Phillip Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB) have not yet involved other countries. New Zealand, which is Philip’s home country, still entrusts the liberation of its citizens to Indonesia.
“To involve other countries as the delivery of the Coordinating Minister for police (Mahfud MD), the handling of the Susi Air pilot hostage, other countries (New Zealand) still entrust to the government of Indonesia,” said Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police Kombes Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, Saturday, June 10, 2023.
Ignatius said negotiations were still ongoing with the National Police through the Cartenz peace Task Force involving local religious and traditional leaders. He said negotiations with KKB leader Egianus Kogoya could not be fast.
“However, the negotiation process is tough, so the time goes long enough,” said Ignatius.
The KKB had threatened to shoot Philip if he did not attend discussions involving other countries to declare Papuan independence. Ignatius said his party was still prioritizing negotiations in the release of the New Zealander.
However, it will make other efforts if the negotiations do not succeed. Although he did not elaborate on the effort.
“I can not convey, because it can derail the rescue operation of the pilot. The point is that the negotiation and law enforcement process is still pursued optimally by involving various stakeholders, ” said Ignatius.
Philip was held hostage by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) Kodap III Ndugama under the leadership of Egianus Kogoya since February 7, 2023. In addition to taking Philip hostage, Egianus ‘ group set fire to the plane Philip was carrying.
