Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius Fakhiri announced that his office is willing to provide a platform for negotiations with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) led by Egianus Kogoya, in order to secure the release of Susi Air pilot Philips Mark Mehrtens. Fakhiri made this statement in Jayapura City, Papua, on Saturday, June 17, 2023.
“We are always prepared to engage in negotiations. If anyone believes they can communicate effectively, the security forces will ensure their safety to facilitate communication. However, there is a time limit imposed as well,” he said.
According to Fakhiri, the joint team is currently focusing their search efforts for the pilot in the Nduga Regency area of the Mountainous Papua.
“We have taken progressive measures from the initial stages to the final stage. I have also met with various parties, including religious and community leaders, to facilitate negotiations with the Egianus Kogoya group,” he explained.
When asked about the deadline mentioned in the video regarding the pilot’s situation, Fakhiri stated that they would carefully consider it before taking any law enforcement actions.
“We do not want our actions to have fatal consequences for the pilot. We have identified the pilot’s location and will convene a special meeting to expedite our actions within the remaining time,” he added.
The rescue operation for Mehrtens is being carried out by the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police after the TPNPB took Mehrtens, a New Zealand national, as a hostage on February 7, 2023. After the pilot landed an aircraft at Paro Airstrip, the TPNPB took him and set fire to the plane.
Fakhiri emphasized that anyone who actively support the Egianus Kogoya group will face legal consequences. “I will not tolerate any further games. I have issued a warning but they continue to disregard it. Those who provide financial support to TPNPB and engage in criminal activities will be prosecuted,” he concluded. (*)
