Peace Efforts First Priority in Releasing NZ Pilot
A peaceful approach through dialogue is being taken to release Captain Philip Mehrtens, a Susi Air pilot who was taken hostage by an armed criminal group in Papua.
Susi Air plane catches fire in Papua Mountains.Philip Mark Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot taken hostage by an armed criminal group or KKB led by Egianus Kogoya..
JAKARTA, KOMPAS — A joint team of the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri) and the Cartenz Peace Task Force are trying to release Philip Mark Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot held hostage by the armed criminal group or KKB led by Egianus Kogoya. Religious and community leaders in Paro District, Nduga regency, Papua Highlands province, are also trying to establish communication with the KKB so that Mehrtens can be released soon.
TNI chief Adm. Yudo Margono, said in Jakarta on Wednesday that Mehrtens' whereabouts had been detected.