Air Force One pilot Susi, declared sane after 19 months as a KKB hostage, was flown to Jakarta.

Jakarta, VIVA – Commander of the Third Regional Defense Command, TNI Lieutenant General Bambang Trisnohadi, said Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens landed at Johannis Kapiyau Air Base in Timika, Papua, at 11:36 a.m. local time.

Philip was finally released by the KKB in Papua after being held hostage for approximately 1 year and 7 months (19 months) on February 7, 2023.

“Thank God, thank God, thanks to the hard work and cooperation of all of us, TNI, Polri, the Ministry and all parties involved, the hostage was successfully released today,” Bambang said at a press conference on Saturday, September 21, 2024.

He explained that when Philip’s group landed at Yohannis Kapiyau Air Base, Bambang made sure the Susi Air pilot was immediately treated and given a medical check-up.

“Thank God, the person in question is very stable, although he has lost a lot of weight, he is healthy. We also consulted psychologically. He is doing very well, he has no signs of PTSD, so it is good for us to fly him to Jakarta immediately,” he said.

Bambang therefore confirmed that Philip will fly directly to Jakarta today. “So the plan is that this afternoon, after the press release, we will fly to Jakarta to complete the next process,” Bambang said.

Don’t forget that he also thanked President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for his support to the TNI and the police in resolving this hostage situation.

He also made the same statement to TNI Commander General Agus Subianto and National Police Chief Listo Sigit Prabowo, as well as all relevant parties who have provided them with guidance and support.

“I would also like to express my deepest respect and appreciation to the TNI and Polri soldiers who died in the process of freeing these hostages,” he said.