Danrem: Susi Air Pilot Is Estimated Still Alive With KKB

ILLUSTRATION/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

JAYAPURA - Commander Korem (Danrem) 172/PWY Brigadier General J.O Sembiring suspects Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, a New Zealand citizen, is still living with the Papuan Armed Criminal Group (KSB) or Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya.

"It is estimated that pilot Mehrtens is currently still with KSB and to ensure that the security forces are still carrying out investigations," said Brigadier General Sembiring as reported by ANTARA, Sunday, February 12.

Sembiring, who is currently still in Timika, admits that he cannot confirm the pilot's position. His party really hopes for help from various parties so that the whereabouts of the pilot Susi Air who was burned can be immediately identified and evacuated.

"The search is continuing and we hope to be found in good health soon," he said.

Sembiring said that the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya had intimidated construction workers in Paro, so they ran to the mountains with the help of the community and are now reunited with their families in Timika.

The people of Paro also experienced fear, so they chose to flee to Kenyam and walk for two days.

At the request of the Regent of Nduga, said Sembiring, security forces helped evacuate residents, especially children, women, and sick people using helicopters belonging to the TNI-Polri.

"The evacuation was carried out around Mount Wea and now they are in Kenyam, the capital of Nduga Regency," said Brigadier General Sembiring.

The KKB led by Egianus Kogoya, on Tuesday (8/2) set fire to a plane belonging to Susi Air when it landed at the Paro airport.