Jayapura – It went viral on social media that the armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya threatened to shoot dead Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens. Police said the video was an old video.
“Yes, it’s true that the video is old,” said Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo when confirmed, Tuesday (21/11/2023).
In the 48 second video, the pilot from New Zealand is seen sitting. He was surrounded by KKB members led by Egianus Kogoya who were carrying long-barreled firearms (senpi).
Egianus Kogoya threatened to shoot Philip Mark Mehrtens dead if his demands were not met. He gave Indonesia a time limit of only 2 months.
“2 months for Indonesia and the state, if the state doesn’t talk about Papua, Indonesia won’t admit it, so I will give this pilot 2 months otherwise I will shoot him,” said Egianus.
It is known that Susi Air pilot Captain Philip is still being held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya since Tuesday, February 7 2023. The negotiation process for his release is also still underway.
Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri said the process of freeing the pilots was still ongoing. He hopes that the Susi Air pilot will be free on December 25 as a Christmas gift.
“We hope that all the communication bridges that have been built can bear fruit. Hopefully we can get Christmas gifts,” said Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri on Tuesday (7/11).
Mathius added that the pilot is currently in good condition. He believes that Egianus has continued to look after and treat the pilot well since he was taken hostage on February 7 2023.
