The government is still consistent and continues to make efforts to free Susi Air Pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, who is being held hostage by the Papuan Terrorist Separatist Group (KST). Even though the release process faces various obstacles and challenges, the government remains firmly committed to maintaining Mehrtens’ safety.
Indonesian Vice President Ma’ruf Amin in a meeting with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing the safety of the Susi Air pilot who was being held hostage by KST in Papua. Despite its efforts to free him, the government still prioritizes the safety of the pilot who has been held hostage for more than a year.
Since the Pilot Mehrtens hostage incident on February 7 2023, the Government has coordinated with the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta, to provide consular mission access, and continues to try to free the hostages with a persuasive approach. Vice President Ma’ruf also highlighted efforts to involve religious figures and local communities in Papua for mediation, which was welcomed by PM Luxon.
Pilot safety in this sensitive situation is prioritized to avoid unwanted risks. A persuasive approach was chosen as a strategy to resolve this case, and appreciation for Indonesia’s commitment has been expressed by the New Zealand side.
Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security (Menko Polhukam) Hadi Tjahjanto revealed new efforts to free the Susi Air pilot who was held hostage by KST. In his meeting with figures from Nduga, the option of an approach through the church was open to help free the pilot.
Even though it is only at the discussion stage, this shows the commitment of various parties to ensure pilot safety is a top priority. The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs hopes that concrete action will be taken immediately to speed up the release.
However, there are challenges faced in this negotiation process. Papua Police Chief, Inspector General Mathius D Fakhiri, highlighted the existence of third parties who were obstructing the release process, even though the previous negotiation process showed positive hopes. This shows that liberation efforts do not only involve the government and KST, but also require broad support from the community and other related parties.
With various diplomatic and security efforts carried out, the Government ensures that the release of the Susi Air Pilot is a top priority, in line with its commitment to maintaining the safety of citizens both at home and abroad. This reflects the government’s consistency and responsibility towards protecting human rights and international security. Community support is needed to support all efforts to free the Susi Air pilot to ensure his safety.
Apart from high-level diplomacy, the government also involved local figures, such as figures from Nduga, to take part in the liberation efforts. Through a closer approach to the local community, including through the church, it is hoped that a supportive environment will be created in the negotiation process. This shows that the government takes local factors into account in conflict resolution and hostage release.
In this context, community support is very necessary. Awareness of the importance of safety and protection of citizens, including Susi Air pilots, must be a common concern. The government ensures that liberation efforts continue to be carried out using various approaches, including through religious leaders and local communities.
Solidarity and support from the community will strengthen efforts to free Pilot Susi Air. Together, we can create a safe environment and promote human values in responding to this complex situation. Let’s unite for the safety and freedom of Susi Air pilots and all citizens who are victims of armed conflict.
Supporting efforts to free Pilot Susi Air is a shared task for all Indonesian citizens. In a situation full of uncertainty and risk, solidarity and togetherness are the keys to creating a safe and peaceful environment for all. Therefore, it is important for society to provide moral and psychological support to the Mehrtens family, and continue to urge the government not to abandon efforts to free these hostages.
In addition, education and outreach regarding the importance of peace and peaceful conflict resolution need to be improved, so that the public can understand and support the steps taken by the government. Active involvement from various elements of society, including humanitarian organizations and non-governmental organizations, can also strengthen efforts to free the Susi Air Pilot. In facing this complex challenge, the Government does not stand alone. Support from the community, international parties and humanitarian institutions is very necessary to ensure the success of efforts to free Pilot Susi Air. Only by uniting and working together can we bring Mehrtens home safely and end this tragic story.
