Timika– Susi Air pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Paro District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains since February 7, 2023, was finally released on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
The release was carried out by the Joint TNI-Polri Team and the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operations Task Force in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.
Responding to this good news, the owner of Susi Air, Susi Pudjiastuti, expressed her deep gratitude and thanks to the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operations Task Force and all parties involved.
“Alhamdulillahi rabbil ‘alamin, I am grateful that finally our captain, Philip Mark Mehrtens, has returned to us today and has been sent to Jakarta,” said Susi Pudjiastuti in her statement.
Susi also expressed her appreciation to Indonesian President Joko Widodo, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, TNI Commander, National Police Chief, Minister of Home Affairs, and all TNI-Polri officers and the Cartenz-2024 Peaceful Operation Task Force.
She also expressed her gratitude to the regional government in Papua and all parties involved in the release process.
“We are very concerned and sad about this hostage incident. However, finally today, Saturday, September 7, 2024, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens can return to us,” she added with emotion.
On the other hand, the Head of the Cartenz-2024 Peaceful Operation Public Relations Task Force, Kombespol Dr. Bayu Suseno, also expressed her gratitude to the various parties who played a role in the efforts to release pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens.
“We thank religious leaders, community leaders, women’s leaders, youth leaders, and all parties who have contributed to the efforts to free Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens,” Bayu concluded in his statement.
