Jayapura – Susi Air pilot, Captain Philip Mark Merten, has been held hostage by an armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogeya in Paro, Nduga Regency, Papua Pegunungan Province, for over a year.
Reporting from Disway.id, As a human rights advocate, Theo Hesegem expressed concern after seeing the condition of the pilot, whose photo recently circulated.
He mentioned that the condition of the Susi Air pilot is very concerning, and there is a possibility that he is unwell.
“I suggest to my younger brother Egianus Kogeya and the TPNPB organization to consider the humanitarian aspect. Thus, a humane, authoritative, and dignified approach can be taken in the release of the Susi Air pilot, without endangering civilians or the pilot himself,” he said.
According to Theo, respect for human dignity and dignity must be upheld and respected by everyone.
“As a Human Rights Advocate, I also hope that the TNI-Polri and TPNPB-OPM can exercise restraint. Avoiding violence as was seen in 2023 is crucial so that the sense of comfort, the right to life, and freedom from fear can be maintained. This is necessary so that the community is not constantly enveloped in fear and trauma,” he said in a press release on Monday, March 11, 2024.
According to Theo, since the pilot was taken hostage, both the Central and local governments have made various efforts to secure the release of the Susi Air pilot. These efforts include sending troops, lobbying efforts, and forming negotiation teams.
Theo stated that if there is a desire for the pilot to be released, then both parties must agree to a solution that leads to the release of the New Zealand national. Therefore, a written agreement binding both parties in conflict is necessary to ensure safe and smooth negotiations.
“Because a written agreement from the parties in conflict will be legally binding. Therefore, written agreements from various parties are crucial and must be made, so that the negotiation process can proceed smoothly,” he said.
Theo requested that Egianus and TPNPB show a negotiation team they trust, so that negotiations can be conducted through institutions or individuals appointed and trusted by TPNPB for negotiations with the Central Government and the New Zealand Government.
“The intended team should also be known to the Governments of Indonesia and New Zealand, as well as to the public. Therefore, this team cannot be obstructed by the parties in conflict,” he emphasized.
It’s important to note, said Theo, that the steps and stages of the negotiation process for the pilot’s release should start domestically, not internationally.
By initiating the process domestically, it will later be followed by the international community.
“It will be difficult if this case is requested for intervention by the UN and the international community,” said Theo.
It is known that besides the photo circulated on social media, the condition of the Susi Air pilot among Egianus Kogoya’s forces has also been spread on social media.
In a video recorded on March 11, 2024, the Susi Air pilot made a statement.
Philip Max Marten was seen among TPNPB OPM forces in the Ndugama region, accompanied by Egianus Kogoya.
Philip said that they are giving the government two more months to negotiate with TPNPB OPM.
“If within two months the government does not negotiate with Papua, they will shoot me,” Philip said.
Then Egianus, who was next to Philip, also spoke to reinforce the threat.
“The pilot has already spoken, and foreign countries as well as Indonesia recognize it because we have given the pilot two months to live,” Egianus asserted.
“If Indonesia does not recognize Papua, then if more than two months pass, we will shoot the pilot,” Egianus added on the Facebook account @Eka.
