Considering The Safety Factor For Civilians When Freeing Susi Air Pilots, The TNI Commander Does Not Use Military Methods

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono after attending a working meeting with Commission I of the DPR at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Monday (3/4/2023). (ANTARA/Through Susthira K.)

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono said his party did not launch a frontal attack to free Philip Mark Mehrtens from being held hostage by the KKB. The safety of civil society is the main consideration for not taking this step. "We don't want to attack the frontal, later the victims will be people. It's a pity for the community if the TNI and Polri invade in military ways," said Yudo after attending a working meeting with Commission I of the DPR at the Senayan Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Antara, Monday, April 3. Yudo said that his party was still prioritizing persuasive actions to release hostages detained by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya. "We will continue to persuasively prioritize it, by involving religious leaders, community leaders," said Yudo This persuasive effort includes taking an approach by relying on the Acting (Pj) Regent of Nduga Namia Gwijangge in an effort to free the New Zealand citizen Susi Air pilot. He was also reluctant to confirm the rumors that Susi Air's pilot's condition had decreased. He admitted that he did not know the current development of Philip Mark Mehrtens who had been held hostage since February 7, 2023. "Where did the info come from ( Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens' pilot condition decreased)? I don't know his condition. There is no (news) yet," he said.

Philip Mark Mehrtens 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 a Pilatus Porter aircraft belonging to Susi Air.