Jayapura- Head of Operation Peace Cartenz 2023, Kombes Faizal Ramdhani said Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens who was taken hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya is still alive and in good health.
This was conveyed by Faizal regarding the passing of the two-month deadline given by the KKB to the government to negotiate. In the deadline, KKB threatened to shoot Philip if their demands were not granted by the government.
“He is still alive, our intelligence data believes he is still alive, still healthy,” said Faizal.
He said the search for the New Zealand pilot was centered in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.
Philip has been held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7 shortly after landing the plane at the Paro airstrip, Nduga Regency, Mountainous Papua.
On May 26 or more than two months ago, the KKB released a video showing Philip’s condition. The New Zealand pilot said the KKB would shoot him if there was no negotiation within two months.
Meanwhile, President Jokowi said the government continues to make various efforts to free Philip.
“We should not be seen as silent. We have tried very hard, but we cannot open what we have tried,” Jokowi said in Jayapura on the sidelines of his visit some time ago.
