Jayapura – Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Pol. Mathius D. Fakhiri, S.I.K admitted that there was a third party involved in the hostage case of the Susi Air pilot, Captain Philips Mertenz.
This was conveyed by the Regional Police Chief after holding a closed meeting with the New Zealand Police Attache, at the Old Papua Regional Police, Jayapura City, Monday (26/2/2024).
According to Inspector General Fakhiri, this third party took advantage of the issue of captain Philips being taken hostage for group and personal interests, but in the name of the Free Papua struggle organization.
“There are other parties who deliberately hinder, obstruct so that the negotiation process that has been carried out and wants to reach a common ground is not successful,” said Inspector General Fakhiri.
He explained that the third party deliberately raised the issue of Independent Papua to the New Zealand government.
“We conveyed this earlier at the meeting and they understand this and continue to give full trust to us TNI-Polri in Papua to continue working to free Captain Philisp,” he said.
“Because once again it is in the interests of the group itself, both Benny Wenda and Sebby Sembom, who always speak out about Papuan issues and we have told them not to listen to these statements,” he added.
The Regional Police Chief also admitted that until now New Zealand still agreed to entrust the release of Captain Philips to the Indonesian government and fully acknowledged that Papua was part of the Republic of Indonesia.
“That they still agree that Philips’ business is Indonesia’s business and they do not interfere in this matter and still recognize Papua as part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Inspector General Fakhiri.
Inspector General Fakhiri also explained that up to now his party, assisted by the TNI, is still working hard to free Captain Philips.
“We continue to collaborate with TNI friends and until now we are still implementing a soft pattern through negotiations involving all parties, including the local government, Church, community and figures there for the release of Captain Philips,” explained Inspector General Fakhiri.
The Regional Police Chief admitted that until now his party knew about Captain Philips’ whereabouts and his health condition, but his party was still trying to negotiate so that the KKB which was holding Captain Philips hostage could free Philips without any victims.
“We have monitored their location and how Philips’ health is, but we are still negotiating so that Captain Philips can be released without any casualties, so this process will take time,” he said.
Before meeting with the New Zealand police attache, the Papua Police also met with the New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia, Kevin Jeffery Burnet at the Papua Police on Wednesday (7/2/2024).
