TNI Commander Concerning Rp5 Billion Ransom Frees Susi Air Pilots: If That's His Request, We Fulfill It For Safety

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono together with Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD and Spokesperson for Vice President Masduki Baidlowi /ANTARA / HO-BPMI Setwapres

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono reported the security situation of Papua to the effort to release Susi Air Pilot to Vice President Ma Ruf Amin at the Vice Presidential Palace, Jakarta.

"In general, the situation in Papua is all conducive but what I always say is that there are some areas that are vulnerable, especially the Nduga Regency," said the TNI Commander after meeting with the Vice President as reported by ANTARA, Tuesday, July 4.

The Vice President summoned the TNI Commander and the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD. TNI Commander Yudo explained about Papua, while the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs explained developments regarding the polemic of the Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School.

The TNI Commander continued that related to the efforts to release Susi Air Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the Egianus Kogoya Group, currently, the negotiation efforts are entrusted to Acting (Pj) Nduga Regent Edison Gwijangge.

However, according to the TNI Commander, for negotiations there are obstacles regarding the plane to take it to the point where the negotiations will be held.

"Because it is difficult, the plane is afraid to go to a designated or agreed area. Don't believe it to transport or to (derive to the point) of the negotiations, so we are still waiting," explained the Commander.

The Commander said that currently the peace negotiation process was entrusted to the Acting Regent of Nduga to prioritize the safety of Pilot Philip and the surrounding community so as not to become victims.

Meanwhile, regarding the request for a ransom of Rp. 5 billion from Gianus Kogoya, the TNI Commander admitted that he did not know about this. But if it is true that it is Kogoya's request, then, according to him, it will be fulfilled for the safety of the hostages.

"If the request is fulfilled for the sake of safety. Yes, we prioritize humanity. If humanity (regards) there is no price. It cannot be appreciated at all, if this concerns the safety of human lives, both the safety of pilots and the people around," he explained.

Meanwhile, President Joko Widodo and Vice President Ma'ruf Amin will separately go to Papua in the near future. Related to this, the TNI Commander emphasized that according to the procedures for visiting heads of state or officials to the regions, his party would anticipate security with existing troops.