THE National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas) appreciates the release of Susi Air Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens who was held hostage by the armed criminal group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7, 2023, which was carried out with a persuasive approach.
“Komnas HAM expressed its appreciation to all parties, especially the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force and the Mimika Regency Government, who carried out the process of releasing the pilot through a persuasive approach,” said Komnas HAM Chair Atnike Nova Sigiro in a statement received in Jakarta, Sunday (22/9).
He said that the persuasive approach that also involved religious figures, churches, customs, and family, succeeded in preventing fatalities while maintaining the safety of the pilot. Komnas Ham hopes that this release will be a good momentum to encourage a more conducive situation for enforcing human rights in Papua and encourage protection of civil rights in any condition.
In addition, Atnike also reminded all parties to continue to prioritize a persuasive approach and human rights principles.
“Hopefully this incident will be an important lesson that will enrich our experience and methods in developing Indonesia in general, and Papua in particular,” he said.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Hadi Tjahjanto said that the release of Pilot Philip Mehrtens was the result of the government’s patience.
“As conveyed by the President (President Joko Widodo), this release is also the result of the patience of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in not taking repressive action because the safety of the pilot is the main priority of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia,” said Hadi.
According to him, Mehrtens’ release involved a very long negotiation process that prioritized soft approach by considering
hostage safety.
As reported, Mehrtens was released on Saturday (21/9) and picked up by the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force team in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency. Then, the Task Force flew Mehrtens to Timika for a health check. After being declared healthy, Mehrtens was flown from Timika to Jakarta using an Indonesian Air Force aircraft.
Upon arrival in Jakarta, Mehrtens was handed over by the Indonesian Government represented by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto to New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia Kevin Burnett representing his country’s government. (Ant/H-3)
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