Jayapura – The Papuan Council of Churches encountered problems while negotiating with the armed criminal group that captured Susi Air pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, for the last four months in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. This obstacle was related to the placement of TNI troops around Philip’s hostage area.
Pastor Benny Giay as the Moderator of the Papua Church Council when contacted from Jayapura, Thursday (15/6/2023), said that since last May, his party has been coordinating with the Papua Regional Police to get involved in efforts to free Philip. However, he said, the negotiation efforts would not be possible if military operations continued.
“A safe place is needed in the negotiation process with the Egianus group. Troops cannot enter the place so that the discussion process can run smoothly,” said Benny.
Meanwhile, Head of Damai Operations Cartenz Kombes Faisal Ramadhani said the search for captain Philip was still ongoing. He said the Egianus Kogoya group was still holding the Susi Air pilot hostage in the Nduga area.
“Search efforts were constrained by difficult geographical conditions. We were able to find one of the locations of the Egianus and Philip groups above an altitude of 3,000 meters above sea level earlier this month,” said Faisal.
Previously, the armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya set fire to the Susi Air PK-BVY plane after it landed at the Paro District Airport, Nduga Regency, on 7 February 2023 at 06.17 WIT.
