Susi Air Pilot Freed From KKB, Jokowi: Long Negotiations

Susi Air Pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens is finally free. (Doc. Ist)

JAKARTA - Pilot Susi Air, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens, was finally released by the Armed Criminal Group or KKB. Responding to this matter, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said it was the result of a long negotiation process.

"Yes, this is a very long negotiation process and our patience is not to do it repressively," Jokowi told reporters, Saturday, September 21.

Because, in the rescue mission, the top priority is the safety of Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens.

Although, in an effort to obtain it, it took up to a year and a half.

"So what we prioritize is the safety of the pilots who are held hostage until the long process that has been carried out by the TNI/Polri is very good, I really appreciate it," he said.

Nevertheless, Jokowi was reluctant to reveal the point of negotiation that was carried out until finally the Papuan separatist group wanted to release the Susi Air pilot.

It was only conveyed that Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens would undergo a medical examination before being sent back to his country of origin.

"Later it will be brought from Yaguru (one of the villages in Mebarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains) to the hospital first to have their health checked after it will be flown," said Jokowi.

For information, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens has been held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7, 2023. Various efforts have been made to release him.

Until finally, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens was released today. The release was after the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force negotiated with the KKB.