Cartenz Peace Task Force Responds to KKB’s Plan to Free Susi Air Pilots

Mimika – Head of the Cartenz Peace Operations Public Relations Task Force, Kombes Bayu Suseno, responded to the statement by TPNPB-OPM Spokesperson Sebby Sambom regarding the release of Susi Air Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens who was being held hostage by the group.
The authorities called the armed militia the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).

Bayu said that the authorities are still working on Philip’s release by prioritizing a soft approach.

“We’ll see (the pilot is released by KKB). Our team is still working, we are still prioritizing soft approach efforts,” said Bayu when confirmed, Wednesday (4/9).

Previously, Sebby said Philip would be released this month.

“We are trying to catch up on time, but there are disruptions, this month, whenever we can free it up, we will continue to work,” said TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom, Tuesday (3/9).

Sebby was reluctant to explain the release mechanism. He only said that his party would not coordinate with the TNI-Polri.

“We are serious and focused on releasing the pilot home to his family,” he said.

Philip was taken hostage on February 7 2023 shortly after landing the plane at Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.

When this incident occurred, the plane that Philip was carrying caught fire. Afterwards, TPNPB-OPM admitted to being the party behind the action of burning the plane. The group also admitted to holding the plane pilot hostage.

Philip appeared several times in videos distributed by OPM. Apart from that, OPM also stated several times that it would release Philip.

A month ago, OPM released a statement stating that it would release Philip.