19 Months Held Hostage in the Jungle, Pilot Philip Mehrtens Misses Pizza

Susi Air PILOT Philip Mark Mehrtens (above).(Antara)

Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens misses tasting pizza and Coca-Cola after 19 months in the forest in captivity of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Egianus Kogoya.

Susi Air’s attorney Donal Fariz revealed about Philip Mehrtens missing pizza and soda. The request was made by Philip when communicating with Susi Air on Saturday (21/9/2024) morning.

“Because he had been in the forest for more than 1.5 years, he asked for his favorite food, pizza, and Coca-Cola,” said Donal.

According to Donal, Susi Air is ready to provide the food the captain wants when he arrives in Jakarta.

“We, the family, have also provided it here (Jakarta),” said Donal.

For information, Philip Mark Mehrtens was released by the Cartenz Peace Task Force from being held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Egianus Kogoya. Philip is a New Zealand pilot who has been held hostage since February 7, 2023.

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Hadi Tjahjanto said that Philip Mark Mehrtens is in good health.

“We conducted a health test, and it was declared good, and the TNI Commander, the Chief of Police, continued to monitor them when they left (for Jakarta). And I was informed by the TNI Commander and the Chief of Police that Philip was in good health,” said Hadi while giving a press statement at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, Jakarta, Saturday night.

Philip has been handed over by the Indonesian Government represented by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto to the New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia Kevin Burnett representing the New Zealand Government. (Can/P-3)