Susi Air Pilot Freed From KKB Hostage, Commission I Of The House Of Representatives Calls Soft Approach The Right Strategy

Chairman Of Commission I Of The DPR, Meutya Hafid/DOK BETWEEN

JAKARTA - Chairman of Commission I DPR RI Meutya Hafid said the soft approach taken by the TNI/Polri security forces in the process of releasing Pilot Susi Air, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens from the hostage-taking of armed criminal groups (KKB) in Papua is the best strategy. The key to the release mission is dialogue with a humanist approach.

"This soft approach approach approach shows that conflict resolution can be done in a peaceful and measurable way. This is an achievement that we need to continue to develop in dealing with similar future situations," said Meutya Hafid, Saturday, September 21.

As is known, Susi Air Pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens was successfully released after 19 months of being held hostage by the KKB in Papua. Meutya praised the performance of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operations Task Force and all parties involved in the operation to release the New Zealand national pilot.

"I appreciate the success of the Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force 2024 which has freed Captain Philip with the right strategy," said the legislator from the North Sumatra I electoral district.

According to Meutya, the collaboration of cross-agency security forces in the mission to release Captain Philip also deserves thumbs up. Because without good collaboration and coordination, the success of negotiations is difficult to achieve.

Furthermore, Meutya also appreciated President Joko Widodo (Jokowi), Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, TNI/Polri ranks, State Intelligence Agency (BIN), Papua Regional Government, traditional leaders and Church leaders in Papua, as well as all parties who have made efforts to release Captain Philip.

"Thank you for your efforts and hard work for 19 months in this successful release mission," said Meutya.

The leadership of the Commission in the DPR in charge of defense and international relations assessed that the strategy carried out in the release of Captain Philip could be an example in dealing with the KKB in Papua. Meutya stated that the soft approach ensured the safety of the victims.

"Metodes that prioritize dialogue and a humanist approach are important steps and can be used as benchmarks for similar operations in the future," he explained.

After the successful release operation, Meutya advised the Government and security forces to ensure Captain Phillip's condition is in good condition. Not only physical health conditions, but also psychology considering Captain Philip has been taking hostage for a long time.

"We ask to thoroughly check Captain Philip's health condition, both physically and mentally. We must ensure Captain Philip is in stable and healthy condition," said Meutya.

Captain Philip is known to have been held hostage by the KKB since February 7, 2023 after the plane he was driving landed in Paro District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. After going through a long and challenging process, Captain Philip was finally successfully released by the Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force 2024 today.

New Zealand's foreign minister, Winston Peters, has expressed his happiness after knowing Captain Philip is now safe. Winston Peters said the news was a relief for the family and everyone who loved Captain Philip.

With the success of Captain Philip's release, Meutya also hopes that Indonesia's bilateral relations with New Zealand can be warmer and can continue to help each other in the future.

Meutya also asked the TNI to continue to be committed to maintaining security in the Papua region. In addition, the TNI is reminded to implement the right stategi like this if there are actions that threaten national security and stability.

"This incident must be a momentum for the creation of better security and stability in Papua," he said.

"Hopefully this success will also be the starting point for achieving more sustainable peace and prosperity in Papua," concluded Meutya.