MRP Appreciates The Support Of The Mountain Indigenous Peoples In The Release Of Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens

The chairman and member of the MRP Religious Working Group while praying for the 'Jayapura Praying' program in the success of the 2024 Peace Pilkada in Papua. (photo: dock. between)

JAKARATA- The Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) expressed its appreciation for the support of the indigenous Papuan community in the mountainous area for the efforts to release Pilot Susi Air, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya for about 1.5 years. The pilot from New Zealand has been held hostage since July 2023 and was finally released in September 2024 in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains Province.

Deputy Chairman of the MRP Religious Working Group (Pokja), Izak R. Hikoyabi, on Saturday, September 21 in Sentani, stated that this release was a major step involving the hard work of indigenous Papuan communities, the central and local governments, and the TNI-Polri.

"We know how hard efforts were made by the government and indigenous Papuan communities in the process of releasing the New Zealand pilot until he was finally successfully released," said Hikoyabi.

He emphasized that in the future, concrete steps are needed to prevent similar incidents, by increasing better communication between the government and indigenous peoples, especially in the Papua region of the Mountains.

Hikoyabi emphasized the importance of good cooperation between interested parties in isolated areas such as Mountains Papua and Central Papua, both for service missions from within and outside the region. This, according to him, is important to prevent incidents from recurring such as the takeover of Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens.

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining good relations with all parties, including indigenous peoples, owners of customary rights, churches, and local governments. "People who come from outside for missions or other services must first use a good meeting method with interfaith, traditional and local government leaders to avoid unwanted things," he explained.

According to Hikoyabi, Papua's land is not an uninhabited empty area, but every inch of land has its own land that must be respected. With a respectful approach and good intentions, he said, indigenous peoples will receive the presence of outsiders and any service will run smoothly.

In reaching difficult areas, he continued, good communication is very important, not only in missions but also in various other sectors. This will ensure that every goodwill brings blessings to many people in these areas, especially for indigenous people who live in remote areas.