Pangkogabwilhan III Orders KKB Papua To Immediately Release Susi Air Pilots

Susi Air Pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, was held hostage by the Papuan KKB led by Egianus Kogoya. (Ist)

JAKARTA - The Commander of the Joint Defense Area Command III (Pangkogabwilhan) Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolon gave an ultimatum to the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya to immediately release Susi Air pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens

"Immediately release pilot Philips Mark Marthens. This pilot control is actually very hampering the transportation of the OAP community (a native Papuan), including the supply of logistics, especially isolated districts," Richard said in his statement, Monday, April 1.

Richard also asked the KKB to stop the massacre of civilians.

"Stop the massacre of innocent civilians and stop using the mothers and children as supporters of the KKB operation," he said.

Richard, who is a former Danjen Kopassus, also warned the KKB to stop attacking the authorities.

"I reiterate that the KKB should heed what I said, for the sake of realizing the land of Papua as a beautiful, peaceful and advanced world paradise," said Richard.

As is known, Richard was appointed Pangkogabwilhan III since July 2023. Pangkogabwilhan III is known to be based in Timika, Papua and is tasked with overseeing the Maluku Islands and Papua.

The KKB, continued Richard, also constantly disrupts and attacks the officers on duty in Papua. This makes the situation in Papua unfavorable and greatly hampers the development process for the progress of Papua.

"Rekam jejak kejahatan dan kebarauban KKB yang tidak berkematakan terjelaskan jelas. Mulai pemerasan terhadap masyarakat Orang Asli Papua (OAP) maupun masyarakat pendapat yang tidak bersalah serta terhadap aparat yang bertugas membantu masyarakat," kata dia.

"Even the KKB cruelly took the Susi Air Philips Pilot Mark Marthens, a New Zealand citizen who has been in his custody for more than a year," added the three-star general who has served many assignments in the Kopassus elite forces unit.