TNI Commander: Release Of Susi Air Pilot Prioritizes Peaceful Negotiations To Prevent Victims

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono. (Between-Aspirilla Dwi A)

CENTRAL PAPUA - Commander Admiral Yudo Margono emphasized that the release of the New Zealand National Susi Air Pilot who was held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) was pursued through peaceful negotiations.

"What is clear is that we still prioritize peaceful negotiations because we do not want to fall victim to the community. Because of course the victims are the people if the TNI uses its strength," said Yudo on the sidelines of the activity accompanying the Working Visit of Vice President Ma'ruf Amin in Timika, Central Papua, Wednesday, July 12, which was confiscated by Antara.

Yudo conveyed that the peace negotiations with the Papuan KKB regarding the release of the Susi Air pilos named Philip Mark were carried out by the local government together with religious leaders.

Regarding the issue of the request for ransom for the release of the pilot, which was later denied by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya, Commander Yudo stated that he did not know who raised the issue.

Previously, Commander Yudo had stated the same thing that he did not know where the issue came from.

"That's why I asked the media where the issue came from. At that time someone asked the Vice President's (Office), I also didn't get any information," he explained.

Commander Yudo said that so far his party has continued to monitor the negotiation process carried out by the Acting Regent of Nduga, Papua.

He hopes that the media will not overestimate sensitive matters related to the process of releasing the Susi Air Pilot because it can hinder the negotiation process.