CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 14 Feb 2023 19:43 WIB
Jakarta, CNNIndonesia —
West Papua National Liberation Army Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM) claim conditions pilot Susi Air The Philip Mark Mehrtens they had taken hostage was well and healthy.
This was conveyed by Komnas TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom in the video statement received CNNIndonesia.comTuesday (14/2).
“In good and healthy condition. So the pilot was detained as a friend and friend of our nearest neighbor, New Zealand,” said Sebby.
Sebby explained that Philip was detained as a political guarantee for negotiations on the right to independence for the people of West Papua.
Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD promised the government would take persuasive steps in Philip’s release.
Mahfud said Mark’s safety was the government’s priority. The government will make every effort to free Mark from TPNPB-OPM hostage.
“The government will continue to make every effort to save the hostages with persuasive approaches,” Mahfud said via video statement, Tuesday (14/2).
He said the hostage-taking of civilians could not be justified for any reason. The government is committed to freeing Mark from OPM’s captivity.
“Persuasive efforts are the main guideline for hostage safety, but the government does not rule out other efforts,” he explained.
The former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court said the government was also in touch with New Zealand regarding Mark’s release. Mark is a New Zealand pilot.
Previously, TPNPB-OPM attacked the Susi Air Pilatus Porter PC 6/PK-BVY aircraft on Tuesday (7/2). The pilot of the plane is missing.
Initially, Mark’s whereabouts was a question mark. The police confirmed Mark was being held hostage by the OPM. However, TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono could not confirm whether Mark was being held hostage. The government only acknowledged Mark’s hostage today through Mahfud MD’s statement.
(pop/DAL)
