TNI Soldier Killed by KKB in Search for Susi Air Pilot: Updates on Other Soldiers’ Conditions

Jakarta –

TNI soldier Pratu Miftahul Arifin reportedly died under attack armed criminal group (KKB) in the search operation pilot Susi Air Capt Philip Mark Merthens in Nduga, Papua Mountains. Pratu Arifin fell 15 meters into a ravine after being shot.

Head of the TNI Information Center (Kapuspen) Rear Admiral Julius Widjojono said the shooting incident occurred on Saturday (15/4/2023), around 16.30 WIT. At that time, Pratu Arifin along with other Task Forces were combing the Susi Air pilot hostage location.

“The test task force is trying to comb close to the positions of the hostage-takers,” said Julius at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Sunday (16/4).

afterwards, KKB then attack them. As a result, Pratu Arifin was shot dead and fell into a ravine as deep as 15 meters.

“Then there was an attack from them. One fell at a depth of 15 meters,” he said.

Seeing this, the other soldiers tried to evacuate Private Arifin. But the soldiers were again showered with gunfire. Julius said that his party was still investigating the current condition of the soldiers.

“And when trying to help get a re-attack. Other conditions are still in the deepening stage,” he explained.

The Commander Drops Combat Assistance

One soldier who was part of the TNI team looking for pilot Susi Air Capt Philip Mark Merthens in Nduga, Papua Mountains, was shot dead by the armed criminal group (KKB). The TNI revealed the condition of the other soldiers currently still in several locations.

“As for the condition of the other soldiers, they are currently still in several locations,” said TNI Head of Information Center Rear Admiral TNI Julius Widjojono at a press conference at TNI Headquarters, Jakarta, Sunday (16/4/2023).

Julius admits that it is currently difficult to contact his soldiers at the location. This was due to the unpredictable weather conditions.

“We had difficulty contacting because of the uncertain weather conditions,” he said.

Julius said the TNI Commander, Admiral Yudo Margono, ordered the search and combat assistance to be carried out with maximum force.

“For this reason, the TNI Commander has continuously ordered to carry out search and combat assistance with maximum force,” he said.

(wnv/yld)