Captain Phillips M, New Zealand National Susi Air Pilot Whose Fate is Unknown

Paro's airport, which became the scene of the burning of the Susi Air plane. (ANTARA/HO/Personal Document)

JAKARTA - The commander of the Cartenz Damai Task Force, Kombes Faizal Rahmadani, acknowledged that the fate of the New Zealand national pilot and passenger Susi Air is unknown. The Susi Air plane caught fire at the Paro airport, Nduga, Central Papua.

"It is true that until now the fate of the Susi Air pilot, namely Capt. Philips M, who is a New Zealand national, is unknown, including the five other passengers," said Kombes Faizal as quoted by Antara.

"Until now, we still don't know the fate of the pilot and the passengers," continued Kombes Faizal, Tuesday, February 7.

Faizal explained the incident where Susi Air's plane with the PK-BVY flight number was burnt was flying from Timika to Paro (Nduga).

According to reports received, the plane should have returned to Timika at 07.40 WIT, but later it was reported that the plane was set on fire.

"Based on the checks carried out from the air, it was seen that the plane was on fire at the end of the Paro airfield and it was suspected that the KKB (Armed Criminal Group) had committed it," said Kombes Faizal, who said he was currently in Jakarta.

The ill-fated plane, he continued, was carrying five passengers including a baby.

"Various efforts are currently being made to find the pilot and passengers safe," said Kombes Faizal who also serves as Director of Legal Criminal Investigation (Dirkrimum) Papua Regiona Police.