Release Of Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens From KKB, National Police Chief Appreciates TNI-Polri

National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo appreciated the release of Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens from the Armed Criminal Group or KKB. The release was the result of cooperation from the TNI-Polri.

"Alhamdulillah, on the orders of the President to carry out the release of the kidnapping of New Zealand pilots some time ago, for the hard work of the entire team in charge of carrying out operations, today the team has succeeded in carrying out its duties," Sigit told reporters, Saturday, September 21.

The release of Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens is known to be not an easy matter. Various efforts were made for a year and a half until the Susi Air pilot was finally released by the KKB.

"Congratulations to all members of the TNI-Polri who are members of the Ops Paro and Damai Cartenz who have managed to save New Zealand pilots on behalf of Phillip Mark who has been kidnapped for nearly 1.5 years in good health and safety, hopefully he can return to meet his family soon," said Sigit.

Previously, the Head of Damai Cartenz 2024, Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, said that the release of Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens was the result of efforts by means of soft approach efforts.

soft approach efforts made with an approach through religious leaders, church leaders, traditional leaders and close family members of Egianus Kogoya.

"This approach is important to minimize the loss of lives, both from the apparatus, civil society and at the same time maintaining the safety of the pilot himself," said Faizal.

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 on Saturday, September 21. The release was after the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force negotiated with the KKB.