Timika- Susi Air pilot from New Zealand, Philip Mark Mehrtens, was finally released after being held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya for 1.5 years.
This release took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.
Head of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Public Relations Task Force, Kombespol Dr. Bayu Suseno confirmed that the release of pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens took place without any ransom.
Kombespol Dr. Bayu Suseno, expressed his hope that this moment could be a turning point for KKB to return to the bosom of Mother Earth.
“Hopefully KKB will come to their senses and return to the bosom of Mother Earth,” said Kombespol Dr. Bayu Suseno.
Kombespol Dr. Bayu Suseno added, currently pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens is in Jakarta to undergo complete health mitigation, meet his family and the next process to return to his home country, New Zealand.
He also appealed to the Papuan people to work together to build Papua in more constructive ways rather than being involved in armed conflicts that only harm all parties.
Philip Mark Mehrtens, who has been held hostage since February 7, 2023 in Paro District, Nduga Regency, was finally successfully picked up by the Cartenz-2024 Peace Task Force and the joint TNI-Polri. In good health, the pilot was flown to Timika.
“Yes, that’s right, on Saturday, September 21, 2024, we managed to pick up Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens and fly him directly to Timika,” concluded Kombespol Dr. Bayu Suseno.
