TNI Commander Affirms Persuasive Release Of Susi Air Pilots

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono emphasized that his party used a persuasive approach and did not commit violence in an effort to release the Susi Air pilot who was held hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya.

Because, he said, the use of violence in the effort to free Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens from the hands of the KKB would only bring harm to the community.

"We don't want to be provoked by things that are frontal in nature, they must use violent means so that those who are affected, those who lose will definitely be the community, those who lose the community. So I don't want to, so we take it in persuasive ways," said Yudo. met after a meeting with Commission I of the DPR reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, September 6.

He emphasized that efforts to release the New Zealand national pilot continue to be carried out in coordination with a number of parties.

"We are still looking for progress, we still prioritized it persuasively, with the regent, PJ Regent Nduga, also with religious leaders, community leaders," he said.

Previously, Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Maj. Gen. Izak Pangemanan confirmed that the KKB hiding place led by Egianus Kogoya had been identified, but his party was still waiting for the intention to release the pilot Susi Air who was being held hostage.

"It is true that we already know the position of Egianus Kogoya. We still hope that Egianus Kogoya will release the hostages he has held since February 7," said Izak Pangemanan.

Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens has been held hostage since February 7 shortly after landing a plane belonging to Susi Air at the Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.

In addition to holding the pilot hostage, Egianus and his group also burned the plane.