Jakarta, IO – TNI Commander Adm. Yudo Margono reiterated that the use of force will be a last resort in the the effort to release Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Methrtens held hostage by Papuan armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7.
Yudo said Indonesian military will still prioritize persuasive measures. He does not want the Papuan people to be used as ‘human shields’ by the KKB should an armed conflict break out.
“I am reluctant to use force because there is bound to be many civilian casualties because they may be deliberately used as human shields (by the KKB),” said Yudo at Halim Perdanakusuma AFB, Sunday (9/3).
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“We must prioritize the safety of the people, community and religious leaders, as well as local government officials,” said Yudo.
He said he also does not want the TNI or Polri, who acted to ensure people’s safety, be made a scapegoat if the hostage or civilians become victims. (un)