Susi Air's Pilot Hostage Case Is Worried About Being An Issue That Loses Indonesia

JAKARTA - Indonesia is still working on the negotiation process to be able to save Susi Air's pilot, Philip Mark Mertens, who was held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua. However, it is feared that the slow handling of this case will be used by other countries as an issue that will harm Indonesia.

Reportedly, the OPM sent an open letter to New Zealand PM Chris Hipkins and Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta regarding the situation of holding the pilot Susi Air hostage. OPM claims, the Indonesian military is implementing combat alert operations in the area.

The New Zealand government revealed they are continuing to make various efforts to free captain Philip Mark, who has been held hostage by rebel groups for nearly 4 months.

However, for Professor of International Law at the University of Indonesia Hikmahanto Juwana, there has been no attempt from the New Zealand government to free its citizens from the grip of the OPM.

"The problem is that until today I have not heard New Zealand asking the government to be involved. If the New Zealand government asks to be involved, then the government will not refuse. Instead, we will facilitate it," said Hikmahanto, Saturday, May 27.

Hikmahanto gave an example when the Garuda Woyla plane was taken hostage and taken down in Don Muang Bangkok. At that time the government asked to carry out a release operation to the Thai government and was granted.

"So I wonder if the New Zealand Government doesn't care about its citizens being held hostage? Maybe New Zealand should allow this issue to be exposed to Indonesia's losses," he said.

Meanwhile, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Teuku Faizasyah considered it impossible for a country to carry out military operations to be released in other countries.

"It is possible to deploy troops in the territory of other countries," he said.

Earlier, a spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand said it was continuing to do everything it could to get a peaceful resolution and safe release for Mehrtens. This includes collaborating with Indonesian authorities and deploying New Zealand consular staff.

In his meeting with the Ambassador of New Zealand to Indonesia. TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono said his party rejected an offer of assistance from New Zealand regarding the search for Susi Air pilots.

"They offered to help, but I'm still able to finish," he said.