Jayapura, Jubi – Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius Fakhiri has reported that Philip Mark Mehrtens, the Susi Air Pilot of New Zealand who has been held captive by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) since February 7, 2023, remains in good health.
Fakhiri said the security forces were actively closing in on the TPNPB faction led by Egianus Kogoya and were engaged in negotiations to secure the prompt release of the pilot.
“We are currently awaiting further developments as we work to restrict the movement of Egianus Kogoya’s group. The pilot’s overall condition is healthy,” Fakhiri said on Monday, August 7, 2023.
Fakhiri explained that Philip Mark Mehrtens with the TPNPB had been traversing the areas of Nduga Regency and the Kuyawage District within the Lanny Jaya Regency in the rugged terrain of Papua Province.
“Egianus retains control over the pilot’s whereabouts in these particular regions, which are not easily accessible except to those familiar with the local terrain,” Fakhiri added.
He emphasized the collaborative efforts of the Indonesian Military(TNI) and Police and the Nduga Regency Government in ensuring the secure release of the Susi Air pilot. The security forces are adopting a cautious approach in narrowing down the movement space of the TPNPB, aiming to prevent any new casualties that could impact the well-being of the pilot.
“Our primary concern is the safe rescue of Captain Philip. This is why we are prioritizing all available resources to aid the security forces in negotiations, ultimately leading to the pilot’s safe return without exacerbating the situation,” Fakhiri stressed.
