Almost A Year Of KKB Accompaniment, How Is Susi Air Pilot's Hostage Release Effort?

Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General Izak Pangemanan. (ANTARA/Evarukdijati)

Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General Izak Pangemanan said efforts to release hostages from New Zealand nationals were still being carried out by prioritizing Polri personnel who were members of the Cartenz Peace Task Force and the Nduga Regional Government.

Currently, the Nduga Regional Government is still approaching and negotiating with the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya who is holding a New Zealand pilot hostage.

"Papua is still in civil order so that it prioritizes the National Police and also negotiates with the Nduga Regional Government so that pilots who have been held hostage for 11 months can be released," hoped Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General Izak Pangemanan as reported by ANTARA, Thursday, January 4.

When asked about the condition of pilot Philip Mehrtens, Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih said that from the photos circulating, Susi Air's pilot was in good health.

However, his party hopes that the pilot can be released soon so that he can reunite with his family.

"It's a pity if it continues to be held and the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command will support all steps taken by the Police through the Cartenz Peace Task Force, which includes TNI soldiers and the Nduga Regional Government," said Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General TNI Izak Pangemanan.

Pilot Philip has been held hostage since February 7, 2023 shortly after landing his plane at the Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.