Jayapura – Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri stated that efforts to rescue Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Merthens, who was taken hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya, are still continuing.
Egianus Kogoya’s threat to shoot the pilot was responded calmly. The Kapolda emphasized that until now the security forces are still trying to get Captain Philip under any circumstances.
“We don’t want the impact that we do to be fatal to the pilot and of course we have mapped out what position the pilot is in and will hold a special meeting to take quick steps in the remaining time to be able to really take both negotiation and law enforcement steps,” he said through a written statement.
Fakhiri said he would collaborate with the Cartenz Peace Task Force and the TNI to help capture the hostage-taker and to rescue the Susi Air pilot.
We have taken steps starting from the initial to the last stage. I have also met with all parties and religious leaders, community leaders to be able to negotiate with the Egianus Kogoya group,” he said.
According to him, the TNI-Polri always prepares space to negotiate. For anyone who feels able to communicate, the security forces will provide guarantees, but with a time limit.
“I cannot give a long enough time because we are always asked how long it has been when of course this accuracy and thoroughness that we always calculate well and pay attention to,” said Inspector General Fakhiri.
Fakhri emphasized that the police will act decisively against anyone who provides support to the KKB, including regional officials.
“I will not play anymore and I have warned but they always play with it, if anyone gives money to the KKB and fulfills the elements I said, check,” he said.
