Head of Puncak District Police: No Hostage Of Susi Air, They Ask Not To Transport TNI-Polri

JAKARTA - Head of Puncak District Police, Police Commissioner I Nyoman Punia stated that there were no cases of hostage-taking of Susi Air's crew and aircraft.

The incident which occurred on Friday, March 12th was not a hostage-taking because the plane and its crew had flown back and arrived safely in Timika.

"From the reports received, a Pilatus type plane with flight number PK-BVY arrived at Wangbe Airfield, Wangbe District, Puncak Regency, Papua, at around 6:20 a.m., when a group of people suspected of being members of an armed criminal group (KKB) was visited, as reported by Antara, Saturday, March 13.

It was explained that the plane piloted by Ian John Terrence Hellyer, a New Zealand national, flew from Timika carrying three passengers and on arrival at Wangbe Airport was visited by KKB who asked not to carry TNI-Polri members.

The KKB, which was estimated at 30 people, asked not to transport TNI-Polri members. After conveying the meaning, the aircraft is allowed to fly again.

"It was reported that the plane was at the airport for about two hours and it was seen that a member was carrying two rifles," said Punia.

There is no police station in Wangbe District and it is far from Ilaga, the capital of Puncak Regency. "It's easier to go through Timika by using a small plane," said Police Commissioner Punia.

He added that the farthest district where there is a new police station is Bioga, but currently, road access has been cut off due to landslides.

The Puncak District Police currently only has three District Polices namely Ilaga, Sinak, and Bioga District Police, said Head of Puncak District Police, Police Commissioner I Nyoman Punia via his cell phone.