Jayapura – The Armed Criminal Group (KKB) is currently still holding Susi Air Pilot Captain Philip Mehrtens hostage. The hostage has been held for 9 months or since they were kidnapped on February 7 2023.
So what exactly is Philip Mehrtens’ condition? Pangdam/XVII Cenderawasih, Major General TNI Izak Pangemanan said that Philip’s condition was still good. No problem.
“Until now the condition is good, they are taking good care of the pilot. So there are no problems,” said Izak in Papua, Thursday (5/10). TNI-Polri are still trying to negotiate with the KKB for the process of releasing Philip. He is suspected of being held hostage in the mountains of Papua.
“The pilot is still in the forest there with Egianus’ group, we are continuing to prioritize negotiations,” he said. Philip Mehrtens was taken hostage after the KKB burned a Susi Air plane at Paro Airport (pioneer) on February 7 2023. The person holding him hostage was the Papuan KKB led by Egianus Kogoya.
Meanwhile, Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri, said that President Jokowi, while visiting Jayapura, Papua, some time ago, discussed efforts to free Captain Philip Mehrtens who was being held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).
“The President always asks us to take a good approach. We have calculated law enforcement steps,” said Mathius at the Papua Regional Police, Monday (10/7).