Jakarta, IO – Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Hadi Tjahjanto said he would meet with Nduga figures to discuss the release of the Susi Air pilot Philips Martin who is still being held hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua.
He conveyed this at the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (KWI), Jakarta, per Detikcom, Wed (28/2). He hoped the meeting can be a solution to free the New Zealand pilot who has been held captive for more than a year. “Hopefully, we pray that with our good efforts there will be no more problems,” he said.
Phillip was kidnapped by the separatist group led by Egianus Kogoya on February 7, 2023, shortly after he landed at Paro Airport in Nduga regency, Papua Highland province. His plane was then set alight.
Previously, Papua police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D Fakhiri revealed that there was a third party who was obstructing the negotiation process to free Phillip. He conveyed this after receiving a visit from the New Zealand police, Monday (26/2). (at)