Novali Panji Nugroho, Jakarta – Susi Air Pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens was freed from the armed group Free Papua Movement (OPM) led by Egianus Kogoya in Nduga on Saturday, September 21, 2024. Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menkopolhukam) Hadi Tjahjanto stated that security forces only used persuasive approaches in the release.
This former TNI commander mentioned that no reciprocal actions were requested by the OPM before agreeing to release their hostage. He stated that the freedom of the New Zealand national pilot was the result of a 19-month negotiation journey.
"None. They did not ask for anything," said Hadi at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase, East Jakarta on Saturday, September 21, 2024.
After being freed and undergoing a health check-up in Timika, Philip was flown to Jakarta using an Indonesian Air Force aircraft. Based on Tempo's observation on site, Philip and the security escort entourage arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in Jakarta around 10:30 PM.
Hadi mentioned that upon landing, Philip was immediately handed over to the New Zealand Embassy. "On behalf of the Republic of Indonesia government, I have officially handed Captain Pilot Philip over to the New Zealand government represented by the Ambassador," he stated.
According to Hadi, the handover of Susi Air pilot to his home country's government went smoothly. Hadi mentioned that all responsibilities towards Philip Mark were now under the New Zealand Ambassador.
Hadi also expressed appreciation and gratitude to traditional leaders, religious leaders, as well as community figures who had assisted the government in the process of releasing the New Zealand passport holder pilot. According to him, the involvement of various parties had an impact on Philip's release process.
"Just imagine, one year and seven months of negotiations, and Alhamdulillah (praise be to God), the task force team, with the help of all components, could successfully complete the task," said Hadi.
Philip was released by the OPM after being held captive for approximately 20 months. Before the release, the TPNPB-OPM had released a proposal for the release of the New Zealand pilot from Susi Air.
Susi Air owner Susi Pudjiastuti was thankful that her pilot had been released. Susi also shared her gratitude for the release of her pilot on her personal social media account X @susipudjiastusi. "Alhamdulillah Hirabbil Alamiin (Praise be to God, the Lord of the Universe). Getting news that Captain Pilot Philip Mehrtens has returned, already in Timika," she wrote.
Susi stated that Philip would return to work as a Susi Air pilot. However, she mentioned that they would wait for Philip to complete the recovery process. "We'll be waiting for the recovery period," she said.