Mahfud MD: Eradicating Easy KKB, Difficult To Free Susi Air Pilots

PROBOLINGGO - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Mahfud MD said the government did not remain silent in dealing with rebels, in this case the armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua which took the pilot Susi Air Philip Mark Mehrtens hostage.

"If it only crushes (KKB), it is very easy; because protecting civilians is also the duty of the state, but of course we must not remain silent in facing the rebels. That is the next key word," Mahfud said after visiting the Nurul Jadid Paiton Islamic Boarding School, quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, April 22.

Mahfud said the TNI and Polri were continuing to prepare strategies to free the Susi Air pilot who was held hostage by an armed criminal group (KKB) in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.

"Actually, there are two difficulties. First, the hostages are used as living shields or as KKB self-protection. When we move, they threaten to kill (the hostage); while we as civilized countries must be able to protect foreign nationals," he explained.

In addition to making New Zealand national pilots a "tameng", Mahfud said the criminal group also used women and children as a tool to protect themselves from the TNI and Polri movements.

Therefore, he asked all parties to be patient because the Government is currently drafting steps that ensure the safety and security of hostages and local civil society.

Philip Mark Mehrtens has been held hostage by the KKB since February 7, 2023. Philip was taken hostage by the KKB after landing his plane at the Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. In addition to taking Philip hostage, the KKB also burned down a Pilatus Porter aircraft belonging to the Susi Air airline.