Continuing To Process, The Papuan Police Chief Does Not Want To Move Gegabah To Free Hostage From KKB

Papua Police Chief Mathius Fakhiri (photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - The release of a New Zealand hostage from the hands of the Papuan armed criminal group (KKB) is still in progress.

Papua Regional Police Chief Inspector General of Police Mathius Fakhiri said that the security forces would not take rash steps that could cause casualties, both civilians and hostages. "Therefore, various approaches continue to be made, especially through figures so as not to cause casualties," said the Kapolda quoting the intermediate. He said that from the reports received, the position of the New Zealandese hostage who worked as a Susi Air pilot continued to move. The whereabouts of pilot Philip Markthens were not with Egianus Kogoya who led the burning of the plane belonging to Susi Air in Paro, Nduga Regency. "What is certain is that both the hostages and the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya are no longer in Nduga Regency," said Fakhiri.

According to him, it is not easy to free the hostages because they must be taken into account carefully because there are many civilians, including children. This was deliberately done by the KKB so that the security forces if they acted decisively and caused casualties would be declared a human rights violation. "Hopefully the release can be carried out immediately without any casualties," hoped Kapolda Fakhiri.

The KKB led by Egianus Kogoya, Tuesday (7/2), set fire to Susi Air's plane piloted by Philip Mark Merthens in Paro, Nduga Regency, and took the pilot hostage.