TNI Commander Ensures Negotiation Of Main Option For Release Of Susi Air Pilots

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono /ANTARA / Laily Rahmawaty.

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono confirmed that negotiations were still the main option to free Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens who was kidnapped by the separatist group (KKB/KST) in Papua.

Yudo explained that the negotiations also prioritized the role of civil society such as religious leaders and community leaders.

"We have conveyed to the local government through the Regional Military Commander (Panglima Daerah Militer) of Cendrawasih and Pangkogabwilhan (Panglima Komando Gabungan Wilayah Pertahanan) III. Yes, we continue to prioritize religious leaders, community leaders to carry out negotiations," said the TNI Commander as reported by ANTARA, Friday, June 30.

He said the governments of Indonesia and the TNI still believed that violence or gunfire was not the best way to free the New Zealand citizen Susi Air pilot.

"Yes, we don't want to deal with this, gun violence, because later the impact will be certain on the community, so we will take the negotiation path through religious leaders and community leaders," said Admiral Yudo.

Therefore, the TNI Commander asked the public to wait for the results of the negotiations.

"What is clear is that I conveyed to Pak Pangkogabwilhan III and Pak Pangdam to continue to carry out negotiations, prioritizing religious leaders, community leaders, which are currently being run by Mr. Acting Regent of Nduga. Yes, we'll just have to wait," said the TNI Commander.

The OPM-affiliated separatist group, also known as the armed criminal group (KKB) or the terrorist separatist group (KST) led by Egianus Kogoya, has publicly threatened to shoot dead Philip Marhtens if the Indonesian government does not immediately negotiate with the OPM until July 1, 2023.

Philip was kidnapped and held hostage by the separatist group led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7, 2023 when he landed his plane at Paro Airport, Nduga, Papua Mountains.

The joint TNI/Polri task force is still continuing its search, especially in the Nduga area, Papua Mountains.

Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius D Fakhiri on June 16, 2023 said Philip and the group holding him hostage are expected to be on the border of Nduga and Lanny Jaya in Papua Mountains.