CheckPapuaNow.com – The prolonged process of releasing Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Merthens, which has stretched over a year, has drawn concern from the Head of the Representative of the Papua National Human Rights Commission, Frits Ramanday. Frits expressed his deep concern over the stalled negotiation efforts and the year-long hostage situation, urging all relevant parties, including Egianus Kogoya, to issue a statement and resolve the matter without further delay. Responding to this, Egianus is urged to promptly communicate his demands so that the release process can proceed more expeditiously.
“Frits Ramanday voiced significant concern over the stalled negotiation efforts and the ongoing hostage situation over the past year,” stated Frits Ramanday in his remarks quoted from Antara on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
Frits also added that the acting regent of Nduga has made maximal efforts in negotiating with the Armed Criminal Group (KKB). Local authorities in Papua have actively engaged in communication with Egianus and even conducted direct visits to KKB base areas. Nevertheless, the release process still faces difficulties, particularly in terms of logistical supply and access to healthcare services.
“For the past six months, the Papua National Human Rights Commission has only been monitoring and proactively engaging through involved partners,” he added.
Meanwhile, a year has passed since the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) kidnapped Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Merthens on February 7, 2023. In the latest release effort, the Ambassador of New Zealand, Kevin Jeffery Burnet, met with the Commander of the Joint Command Defense Region III, Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolong, in Timika Papua on Tuesday, February 6, 2024. In the meeting, they discussed strategies to ensure the safety of the hostages and expedite the release process.
“The primary focus of this operation is to ensure the safety of the hostages. Despite challenges in logistical supply and healthcare access, we believe that the pilot hostages remain in good health,” said Lieutenant General Richard Tampubolong in his written statement.
The ongoing process of releasing the Susi Air pilot in Papua continues to garner serious attention from various stakeholders, with hopes that the safety and well-being of the hostages can be restored promptly without prolonging the suffering that has persisted for a year.
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Source: Antara
