Mimika – New Zealand Police Attaché, Paul Laurence Borell, visited Mimika on Tuesday (27/2) to monitor developments in the release of Susi Air pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB) Egianus Kogoya.
Borell met with Kaops Peace Cartenz 2024, Police Commissioner Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H, and other senior Cartenz Peace Task Force officials. During the meeting, Ramadhani explained the current situation regarding efforts to free the hostages.
Kombes Faizal explained that the negotiation process was still ongoing and was being led by Acting. Nduga Regent, Edison Gwijangge. However, the negotiation process was hampered by various factors, including interference from other parties and customary issues.
Borell appreciated the efforts made by the Cartenz Peace Task Force in handling this case. He hopes that the Susi Air pilot can be released safely soon.
“We express our condolences for the deaths of TNI-Polri members during the hostage release operation,” said Borell. “We hope Damai Cartenz can resolve this case as soon as possible.”
Borell also directly visited the Mimika ODC -2024 Main Command Post and had a dialogue with members of the Cartenz Peace Task Force.
Nduga Police Chief, AKBP V.J Parapaga, S.I.K, on his occasion emphasized that efforts to free the Susi Air pilot were continuing. Forkopimda Nduga, said Parapaga, is committed to resolving this case with a family approach.
“The efforts made by Forkopimda are through welfare, we bring food and at the same time open a dialogue regarding the release of pilots,” said Parapaga.
Parapaga admitted that the negotiation process was hampered by massive media coverage. However, he ensured that efforts to free the hostages remained a top priority.
Paul Laurence Borell also asked whether the end of the term of office of Acting. The Regent of Nduga at the end of this month will have an impact on the continuation of the negotiation process.
AKBP V.J Parapaga answered that the negotiation system that had been built so far would continue to operate even though Acting. The Regent of Nduga was replaced by a new official.
“Whoever replaces him, the system has been built,” said Parapaga.
At the end of the visit, Paul Laurence Borell handed over a souvenir to Kaops Damai Cartenz-2024 Police Commissioner Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H. as a sign of appreciation for the friendliness and cooperation that has existed so far.
