Jayapura- Papua Police Chief, Inspector General of Police Mathius Fakhiri, said that until now there has been no report on the meeting between the Acting Regent of Nduga, Edison Gwijangge, and the leader of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Egianus Kogoya, Monday/17/7/2023.
“Some time ago, the Acting Regent of Nduga planned to meet with Egianus Kogoya so that the New Zealand Susi Air Pilot could be released. However, there is no information on whether the plan has been implemented or not.
Police Chief Fakhiri admitted that his party continues to encourage negotiation efforts to free hostage captain Philip Mark Mehrtens. He hopes that the Acting Regent of Nduga can help speed up the hostage release process.
Police Chief Fakhiri stated that in addition to negotiation efforts, the police and TNI also continue to search so that pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens can be released immediately.
Regarding the hostage’s health condition, the Kapolda said that based on reports received, his condition was good and healthy.
The KKB led by Egianus Kogoya in addition to taking the pilot hostage also burned down Susi Air’s plane after landing at the Paru airfield, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains, since February 7.
