Visited By New Zealand Police Chief, Papuan Police Chief Asked About Susi Air Pilot's Hostage In Nduga

New Zealand national Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Merthens (blue jacket) was held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. (Ist)

Papuan Police Chief Inspector General Pol Mathius Fakhiri said Police Attache at the New Zealand Embassy Paul Borrel asked about the condition of his citizens who were held hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.

"It is true, I have received a visit from the New Zealand Embassy Police Attache, Monday (February 26) and during the meeting, they had asked about the progress of the release of their citizens who were held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya," he said in Jayapura, Monday, February 26, which was confiscated by Antara.

The Papua Police Chief explained that during the meeting it was also explained that the Papuan Police in collaboration with Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih continued to make maximum efforts to free a New Zealand citizen named Philip Mark Merthens in a safe condition.

Currently, his party continues to monitor developments from the man who works as a pilot for Susi Air, including his position accompanied by his health condition.

The police measures were accompanied by cooperation with elements of the government, including the Papuan Mountains Provincial Government, including several district governments in Puncak, Lanny Jaya, and Nduga, including those in Yahukimo.

The Papuan Police Chief said that in addition, he also received assistance from the community near the Nduga Regency border.

He also hopes that the New Zealand Police can still remind his government that the police and the TNI continue to strive to free their citizens in good health.

"Don't believe in those who use the pilot issue for the sake of a moment in Papua considering that there are parties who are trying to hinder and prevent the negotiation process that has been carried out and wants to go to this meeting point has not been successful," said the Papuan Police Chief.

He added that the groups used the Papua issue to be independent, so New Zealand gave confidence to Indonesia and did not support the group.

If there are third parties who try to get closer to the New Zealand Government to use the Papua issue, they are not trusted.

"The Benny Wenda and Sebby Sembom groups are always shouting outside about Papuan issues," said the Papuan Police Chief.