Jakarta, VIVA – The Indonesian government has handed over to the New Zealand government Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who has been held hostage by the armed criminal group (KGB) led by Egianus Kogoya since 7 February 2023.
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The transfer arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Line, Jakarta on Saturday evening 21 September 2024 at 22:26 WIB after the TNI Air Force aircraft carrying Mehrtens.
“Now, on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia, I officially hand over the pilot, Captain Philip Mehrtens, to the Government of New Zealand, represented by the New Zealand Ambassador in Jakarta, Mr. Kevin (New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia). Kevin Burnett),” said Coordinating Minister for Politics. Hadi Tjahjanto at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, on Saturday.
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Hadi admitted that the handover ceremony went off without incident. He also said that Mehrten is currently in charge of the New Zealand embassy.
In this case, he said, the process of Mehrten’s release is the result of the efforts of all parties. He therefore thanked the TNI, the police, community leaders, traditional and religious leaders.
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“We would also like to thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, as well as the Embassy of New Zealand in Jakarta and of course the various parties who assisted in the release of the hostages, including Philip Mehrtens,” he said.
Mehrtens was released by the KKB and picked up by the Kartens Peace Operation Task Force in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency on Saturday, 21 September 2024.
The task force then took Mehrtens to Timika for a health check. After being declared healthy, Mehrtens flew from Timika to Jakarta on an Indonesian Air Force plane.
Hadi Tjahjanto confirms that the KKB does not want a reward for the release of Air Force pilot Susi
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Hadi Tjahjanto stressed that the armed criminal group (KGB) led by Egianus Kogoya did not demand compensation for the release of the pilot of the plane Susi Philip Mark M.
VIVA.co.id
September 22, 2024
