30-6-2023 (JAKARTA) In the past week, information has surfaced regarding the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya, announcing a negotiation deadline for the release of Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Merthens on July 1, 2023. Egianus has threatened to harm Captain Philip. Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri hopes that such actions will not be taken, considering that Egianus and his group are religious individuals.
“I hope that Egianus and his extended family will also consider the concept of compassion, and refrain from violating the fundamental values of our religion, which include taking someone’s life,” he stated in Jayapura on Thursday (June 29, 2023). Fakhiri emphasized that security forces and the government are still making efforts to negotiate through various channels. However, he reiterated that everything depends on Egianus and whether he is willing to accept the offers presented. “We and the government have provided offers to him (Egianus), it’s up to him to decide, but demanding independence is an impossible demand,” said the Police Chief.
One of the offers made to Egianus includes a monetary exchange. “We have proposed that if the pilot is released, we can offer a monetary exchange,” he stated.
Fakhiri also expressed that every possible effort to rescue Captain Philip will be made, including legal action if the negotiations do not yield results. “We are prepared to do everything to save the pilot,” he affirmed.
