Papua Police Chief Claims the Condition of Pilot Philip Mehrtens Held Hostage is Good
Jayapura – Papua Regional Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri stated and claimed that the condition of Susi Air pilot Philip Mehrtens who was being held hostage by an armed criminal group or KKB as the Indonesian government calls the West Papua National Liberation Army or TPNPB in the Nduga Regency area, Mountainous Papua, was in good condition.
From reports received and photos distributed, the condition of the New Zealand pilot is in good health. “Negotiation efforts by prioritizing the Nduga Regional Government are still ongoing,” explained Regional Police Chief Fakhiri in Jayapura on Friday (5/1/2024).
He said that efforts to free the hostages still relied on the Nduga Regency Government. This was done considering that the perpetrators were residents of that district.
Apart from that, they are the ones who know everything better, so it is hoped that with the involvement of officials and assistance from the Nduga community, pilot Philip Mehrtens can be released soon.
“I feel sorry for his relatives who continue to worry about the fate of the victim who has been held hostage since February 2023,” said Fakhiri, hoping that Egianus and his group would immediately release the pilot who was being held hostage.
Previously, Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General TNI Izak Pangemanan said Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih was ready to assist in efforts to free the hostages, which is now entering its 11th month.
However, efforts to free the hostages are still being carried out through ongoing negotiations by the Nduga Regency Government.
“Currently, TNI soldiers who are members of the Cartenz Peace Task Force are also continuing to try to help and encourage the Nduga Regency Government to carry out negotiations to free the hostages,” said the Military Commander.
Philip Mehrtens was taken hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya shortly after his plane was burned at the Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains, on February 7 2023.
