Optimized Approach For The Release Of Susi Air Pilots From KKB

Susi Air Pilot Philip Mark Merthens, who is currently being held hostage by KKB led by Egianus Kogoya in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains Province. (PHOTO VIA ANTARA)

JAKARTA - The National Police together with religious leaders and youth are continuing to make approaches regarding the search for Pilot Susi Air who is being held hostage by the Papuan Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya.

"We received information that currently the Papuan Police together with youth, religious leaders, and community leaders are still continuing to approach," said the Head of the Public Information Bureau (Karopenmas) of the Public Relations Division of the National Police, Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan, as reported by ANTARA, Monday, March 7.

This approach, said Ahmad Ramadhan, is so that the situation remains conducive, including anticipating the loss of life, both among civilians and the Susi Air Pilot Captain Philip Mark Merthens who is being held hostage by the KKB Papua.

"So we take the approach first," he said.

Previously, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri said efforts to free Captain Philip Mark Merthens, a New Zealand national from the KKB, were still in progress.

The security forces will not take rash steps that can later result in casualties, both civilians and the hostages themselves.

Because of that various approaches continue to be made, especially through leaders so as not to cause casualties.

KKB Leader Egianus Kogoya on Tuesday (7/2) burned the Susi Air plane piloted by Philip Mark Merthens in Paro, Nduga Regency and took the pilot hostage.