KKB Egianus Kogoya Asks Phillip Mehrtens' Wife To Come To Nduga, Indicated To Be Held Hostage Too

Head of the Cartenz Peaceful Public Relations Task Force AKBP Bayu Suseno. (ANTARA/HO/Satgas Damai Cartenz)

PAPUA - Head of the Cartenz Peaceful Public Relations Task Force of the Papua Police AKBP Bayu Suseno admitted that there were indications that the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya would take Phillip Mehrtens' wife, a New Zealand national pilot, if she met her husband who is still being held hostage. Some time ago, according to Bayu, the KKB had asked the authorities to bring in the hostage wife but this was not responded to. "That is propaganda carried out by the KKB in the hope that if the wife of the New Zealand pilot comes to Nduga, she will be held hostage," explained Bayu Suseno in Jayapura, Antara, Wednesday, January 31. Bayu said that the effort to release the hostages was still prioritizing negotiations with the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya. Negotiations were carried out by the Acting Regent of Nduga, because he was close to Egianus Kogoya. "However, until today we have not found an agreement regarding the release of the pilot that has been carried out since February 7, 2023," said Bayu. He added that the Cartenz Peace Task Force in 2024 prioritizes soft approach efforts with humanitarian considerations and the safety of the pilot. "Hopefully the various efforts made can help the process of releasing hostages who work as Susi Air pilots," hoped Head of the Cartenz Peace Public Relations Task Force AKBP Bayu Suseno.

Pilot Phillip Mehrtens was held hostage shortly after landing his plane in Paro, Nduga Regency.