Susi Air Pilot Hostage Drama: 1.5 Years in the Shadow of KKB

Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens who was held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). (Antara)

The hostage-taking of Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua has attracted public attention for the past 1.5 years. This is not just the story of a New Zealand pilot caught in a conflict, but also illustrates the efforts of the Indonesian government to free him. This process involved collaboration between the TNI, Polri, religious leaders, indigenous peoples, and the government, who tried to prioritize a peaceful approach.

Captain Mehrtens worked for Susi Air, serving remote routes. On February 7, 2023, his plane was surrounded by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya after landing at Paro Airport, Nduga. After the hostage-taking, the KKB demanded that the government withdraw security forces from the Papua region and grant full autonomy to Papua. By taking the foreign pilot hostage, the KKB hoped to attract world attention.

From the start, the government tried to free Philip Mark Mehrtens. The remote location of the hostage-taking made military efforts and negotiations difficult. The KKB did not ask for a ransom, but instead made this hostage-taking a political demand. They even sent a proposal to the Papua Task Force, which required a long discussion.

The role of religious leaders, traditional leaders, and local communities is very significant. They act as a communication bridge between state officials and the KKB. This dialogue-based approach has proven effective in calming the situation without violence. TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto emphasized the importance of a soft approach involving many parties in the process of releasing Captain Mehrtens.

Finally, on September 22, 2024, Captain Mehrtens was successfully released after a series of negotiations. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto announced that the pilot was in good health when he was handed over to the New Zealand Embassy. The evacuation process went smoothly, becoming a touching moment for his family.

This success cannot be separated from the cooperation between the government, TNI, Polri, and the Papuan community. A community-based approach is the key to resolving the problem without violence. President Joko Widodo also instructed tighter security in vulnerable areas of Papua, especially for flights.

After the release, many parties gave their appreciation, both domestically and internationally. However, a big challenge remains: how to ensure security in Papua in the future? This hostage-taking reminds us that the armed conflict in Papua is far from over. Although the government managed to release Mehrtens without ransom, maintaining state sovereignty and protecting the community from disturbances remains a top priority.

This story is about collaboration, diplomacy, and a peaceful approach amidst tension. Although Philip Mark Mehrtens has been freed, the struggle to create a safe Papua is still homework for the government. We certainly reject all forms of violence, while maintaining state sovereignty and protecting the community, and not tolerating any threats to the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Strengthening cooperation between all parties is very important. This success should be a momentum to create constructive dialogue for a better future for Papua.