JAKARTADAILY.ID – Susi Air Pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens remains in captivity under the control of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, has stressed that the international community should not be involved in the release of the New Zealand citizen.
During a government synergy coordination meeting focused on maintaining political stability and security for the 2024 Election, Mahfud Md emphasized the need to handle the hostage situation internally.
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He stated that it was an internal matter that did not require the involvement of other countries. Mahfud Md further stated that any attempts of international interference, including offers from international NGOs, should be rejected to prevent the issue from reaching the United Nations.
TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono has previously confirmed that efforts are being made to rescue Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens from the armed criminal group. However, he did not provide specific details about the tactics and strategies being employed.
Earlier, a video surfaced showing the Papuan Armed Criminal Group (KKB) or Terrorist Separatist Group (KST) threatening to harm the airline pilot if the Indonesian state did not recognize Papua's independence.
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Led by Egianus Kogoya, the KKB demanded recognition of Papua's independence within a two-month timeframe. The video, released on May 26, 2023, featured Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens delivering the KKB's statement while holding the Morning Star flag, surrounded by numerous KKB members.
In the statement, the KKB threatened that Captain Philip would be shot if their request was not fulfilled. They urged the commencement of discussions on Papuan independence within the given timeframe.
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