PAPUA - The KKB led by Egianus Kogoya asked for firearms and ammunition to be chartered or exchanged for Susi Air pilots who are still being held hostage.
"It is true that Egianus submitted a number of requests including firearms and ammunition that will be exchanged for a New Zealand pilot, Philip Mark Merthens," said Papuan Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri in Timika, as reported by Antara, Thursday, February 23.
He emphasized that the request could not be fulfilled because it was dangerous and could disrupt security and cause casualties. "It has been confirmed that the request will not be fulfilled," said Fakhiri.
The two-star general admitted that efforts to free a New Zealand national pilot were continuously carried out by prioritizing negotiations to avoid casualties.
"It will take time to complete it, but it is needed so that Susi Air's pilot release efforts can be successfully carried out without any casualties," he explained.
Currently, the hostages and Egianus Kogoya are no longer in Paro or other areas in Nduga Regency. They, continued Fakhiri, had shifted and entered other districts around them.
It is true, Egianus and his group carrying the pilot Philip have shifted and members of the TNI-Polri continue to monitor their movements.
"Hopefully the TNI-Polri can immediately release pilot Philip without causing any casualties, including the community," said Fakhiri.
The KKB led by Egianus Kogoya, since Tuesday, February 7, has taken the pilot Susi Air Philip Mark Merthens hostage shortly after landing his plane at Paro airport.
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