Panglima Sebut Pembebasan Pilot Susi Air Dari KKB Dilakukan Secara Persuasif

Pilot Philip Mark Mahrentens is in the middle of Egianus Kogoya and his group (ANTARA)

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono said his party together with the local government in Papua continued to take a persuasive approach in an effort to free the Susi Air pilot who was held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.

"We do not want to frontally cause more victims. Therefore, we continue to take a persuasive approach with the regents and community leaders in an effort to free the Susi Air pilot who is being held hostage by the KKB," said Yudo as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, March 24.

Regarding the condition of the New Zealand pilot, Yudo added that based on reports from local police officers his condition was still declared safe.

Previously, Yudo explained the existence of TNI troops in Papua to assist the National Police in carrying out law enforcement operations. He added that there were no additional troops because the current conditions were already running, both organic and imported from outside Papua.

"The TNI troops, apart from securing land and sea borders, also carried out operations to back up the Police for law enforcement," he explained.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo stated that the safety of the Susi Air pilot named Philip Mark Mahrentens was a top priority in efforts to obtain from the KKB.

"Monday night, we have an internal meeting, one of which is discussing the issue," said Jokowi after inaugurating the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH) in Jayapura, Papua, Tuesday.

By prioritizing the safety of the Capt Philip pilot as a priority, the rescue effort is carried out with great care.

The KKB led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7 has taken Philip Mark Mahrentens hostage shortly after landing his plane at the Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. In addition to taking Philip hostage, the KKB also burned the Pilatus Porter aircraft belonging to Susi Air.