Susi Air Owner Urges for NZ Pilot's Release Amid Separatist Hostage Situation

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Susi Air owner Susi Pudjiastuti, on Wednesday, held a press conference urging the separatists in Papua to free one of her pilots who have been taken hostage by the West Papua National Liberation Army. 

The pilot in question is New Zealand captain Philips Max Mehrtens and Susi hopes the separatists currently holding him will release him unconditionally. 

“We continue to have hope that our pilot captain Philips Max Mehrtens can be released. Unconditionally if possible,” said the former Fisheries Minister at her home on March 1. 

Moreover, she said this situation saddens her as she believes fighting for independence by taking away other people’s freedom is unrespectable. 

“I understand what people are fighting for. This is my personal opinion and not representing me as Susi Air owner. Fighting for freedom by taking away the freedom of others is not a wise decision,” said Susi. 

She then recalled the decade partnership with Philips and apologized to the pilot due to the hostage situation that lasted for 22 days. Susi also apologized to Papuans for the incident that she believes has affected the region in one way or another.

"I, as the founder and owner of Susi Air, would like to apologize to the people of Papua, the local government, and all users of Susi Air in Papua who are currently being disturbed," on March 1. 

Rescue Mission Sees Improvement 

Coordinating Minister of Politics, Law, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD said there is progress in the rescue operation of captain Philips in Papua. He said the military and national police have detected the coordinates of the separatist’s whereabouts. 

However, the authorities are still unable to carry out military operations to rescue the pilot because the New Zealand government has requested Indonesia to free its citizen without involving violence. Therefore, according to Mahfud, efforts to save Captain Philips Mark Mehrtens could not be carried out through military operations.

He asserted that the separatists are currently surrounded by the Military and National Police task force. 

EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA

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