Jayapura – For almost 10 months, the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya has held hostage the Susi Air pilot, Captain Philips Mark Merthens. Until now, Philip still cannot be released.
Head of Cartenz 2023 Peace Operations, Commissioner Faizal Ramadhani, explained that Philips is still in good health, although he cannot be saved yet.
Faizal ensured that at all times the security forces were always looking for ways to find out the condition of the hostages.
“We continue to carry out mapping, continue to provide updates regarding the pilot’s whereabouts, we continue to do this. While ensuring that the pilot is in good health, that is the most important thing,” he said when contacted by telephone.
Regarding the last time this information was obtained, Faizal only said that it was confirmed recently.
“In the last few weeks, at least in the last week there has been information that the pilot is in good health,” he said.
Repressive efforts to save Captain Philip were not an option. Until now, the security forces, through the local government, are still trying to negotiate.
Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri again emphasized that there is no time limit for negotiation efforts so all parties are asked to continue to be patient.
“If the pilot is taken hostage, the police will give freedom to the family and several figures as well as the government to be able to carry out internal negotiations,” he said.
According to him, negotiators were given as much space and time as possible to persuade Egianus Kogoya to release Philip, even though the hostage situation had been going on for 10 months.
