Papuan Police Chief: Susi Air Pilot Who Was Held Hostage By KKB Is Still In Nduga

Papua Police Chief Inspector General Pol Mathius Fakhiri. (ANTARA/Evarukdijati)

Papuan Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri said Susi Air pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens was still in the Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. Relief efforts are still being carried out by prioritizing negotiations to avoid casualties, especially from civilians. "The Nduga Regency Government, especially the regent, is still being put forward considering that apart from having family relations, as well as incidents and places of hostage-taking are in its area," said Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri in Jayapura, Antara, Wednesday, February 7. In addition, his party still provides opportunities for community leaders and religious leaders to help approach the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya in order to free the pilot. "We hope that the hostage release effort can be realized soon in good health," he said.

Susi Air Pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens has been held hostage by the KKB since 7 February 2023 shortly after landing his plane at Paro airport, Nduga Regency. The KKB led by Egianus Kogoya also burned Susi Air's plane.