Freeing Pilot Philip Mark from the KKB, the National Human Rights Commission hopes that the Indonesian National Police Will Put Forward Peace Efforts

Susi Air Pilot Philip Mark Merthens, who is currently being held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains Province. (ANTARA)

JAYAPURA - The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) Representative for Papua believes that the TNI and National Police will prioritize peaceful efforts in the release of Susi Air pilot with New Zealand citizenship Philip Mark Mehrtens who was taken hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB).

Komnas HAM Papua Representative Head, Frits Ramandey, said that the release of Philip Mark Mehrtens who was held hostage by the KKB leader Egianus Kogoya in Paro, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains Province needed time to negotiate.

"Komnas HAM continues to pay attention to this case", said Frits as quoted by ANTARA, Friday, February 17.

According to Frits, now the Paro District only has four villages. It is estimated that the community is no longer occupied because most have fled to Kenyam.

Komnas HAM assesses that efforts to free the Susi Air pilot should not be rushed by prioritizing negotiation efforts.

"Negotiations are ongoing involving the local government and the Nduga Regency DPRD", he said again.

Previously, the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya allegedly brought the Susi Air pilot out of Paro to a district, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains Province.

Cartenz Peace Task Force Commissioner Faizal Ramadhani said that there were indications that the New Zealand pilot had left Paro.

"Egianus Kogoya and his group have brought Philip Mark Merthens out of Paro. At this time we are still looking for their whereabouts", he said.

When answering about the conditions in Paro District, the Papua Regional Police Criminal Investigation Directorate said that local people had fled to Kenyam.

Commissioner Faizal Ramadhani confirmed that currently there are no civilians in Paro because they have fled to Kenyam on foot. In fact, some were evacuated by TNI/National Police helicopters when they were in the Wea Mountains area.

He said the average among them were children, women and the elderly. Meanwhile, those who were sick were evacuated by helicopter to Kenyam.

It was also said that an investigation into the crime scene (TKP) had been carried out at Paro Airport, which was the site where Susi Air's plane was burnt, Tuesday, February 7.

It is estimated that 80 per cent of the plane's condition has become debris. Meanwhile, the crime scene has been cleared so it can be used again.

"Kopasgat TNI AU personnel are also participating in guarding and securing the Paro Airfield", he said.