Commander in Chief Ensures Release of Susi Air Pilots Does Not Use Military Force

JAKARTA - TNI Commander Admiral TNI Yudo Margono stated that he would not use force or military force to free Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens who is currently still being held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).

"We cannot possibly use military force just to free the Susi Air pilot, which would actually have a bigger impact", said Yudo Margono when met, quoted by ANTARA, Friday 6 October.

According to the TNI Commander, efforts to liberate through military operations will only have a greater impact or threat to Indonesia, especially the Papuan people.

Yudo said that the TNI continues to use smart methods, namely by seeking approaches through local religious and community leaders in carrying out negotiation efforts with the KKB.

"That's what I always said that we use smart methods, which don't cause commotion in the community. We're still trying to work with local religious and community leaders", said Yudo.

Until now, the New Zealand pilot is still with and guarded by Egianus Kogoya and his group.

Negotiation efforts are still being put forward to free the pilot who has been held hostage since February 7 2023.

Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens was taken hostage by KKB shortly after landing his plane and disembarking his five passengers at Paro airfield, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.

Before taking and detaining Philips, KKB first burned the plane belonging to Susi Air in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.

Meanwhile, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri revealed that the Susi Air pilot was in good health.

"It is true that the report received revealed that the condition of the Susi Air pilot who has been held hostage since February 7 2023 is healthy. However, we are still worried about his health", said Fakhiri in Jayapura.

When asked about the whereabouts of Egianus and his captives, the Papua Police Chief estimated that they were in an area where there was a food supply.

"We estimate that the hostages are being guarded by a separate group who do not move around and the community is helping with their food supply", said Fakhiri.