Westnoken Jakarta – The Papuan Terrorist Separatist Group (KSTP) led by Egianus Kogoya has been holding Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens hostage for almost 1 year since 7 February 2023, claiming that they will free the pilot. They said that the New Zealand pilot would be released because New Zealanders supported Papuan independence. They also consider him not an enemy, but a friend who lives with them in the Nduga area.
However, Indonesian security forces do not believe this claim because until now there has been no official agreement regarding the release of the hostages. TNI Commander, General Agus Subiyanto said that the TNI is still prioritizing a persuasive and diplomatic approach through Forkopimda in the region. According to him, a persuasive approach is the most preferred way to resolve this conflict in order to avoid casualties.
The Nduga Regency Government also has an important role in efforts to reach an agreement through negotiations. However, the negotiation efforts encountered obstacles after the Acting Regent of Nduga, Edison Gwijangge, was given an ultimatum by KSTP when he wanted to become a negotiator. This shows that KSTP is still using violence and threatening the peaceful efforts that are being carried out.
In efforts to free the Susi Air pilot, the negotiation stage with KSTP Chairman Egianus Kogoya was entrusted to the Acting Regent of Nduga Edison Gwijangge, because Edison Gwijangge has a close family relationship with Egianus Kogoya. Until now, negotiation efforts are still experiencing obstacles because the Susi Air pilot, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens, is known to be closely guarded by Papuan criminal groups.
Despite facing challenges and risks, the TNI remains committed to using a persuasive and diplomatic approach in efforts to free the Susi Air pilot. Many TNI members have died in this operation, but they remain steadfast in upholding humanitarian principles and prioritizing hostage safety.
The release of the Susi Air pilot is important to ensure the safety of the hostages and the people in the area. Hopefully the release process can run smoothly and without unnecessary victims. TNI also hopes that KSTP can realize that violence is not the solution but only dialogue and peace is a better way to resolve conflicts