Inp.polri.go.id - Nduga. The Chief of Nduga Sub-Regional Police, Police Superintendent Rio Alexander Penelewan has been in charge of leading the rescue operation of 16 hostages held captive by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya. 

Police Senior Superintendent Faizal Rahmadani, the Commander of Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force, confirmed to ANTARA on Wednesday (8/2/23) that rescue teams are ready for deployment to Paron in Nduga Regency. 

“The operation is underway and I am currently giving a briefing," he said. 

Egianus Kogoya and his group have been under police surveillance for six months. On Tuesday (2/7), the group was reported to have set ablaze a plane of Susi Air that was piloted by Philip Merthens, a New Zealand citizen. The group was also reported to have taken 15 construction workers, who were building a health center in Paro, hostage. 

The 15 workers have been identified as Gregorius Yanwarin, Domianus Wenehen, Thadeus Belyanan, Ical Behuku, Simon Walter, Martinus Yanwarin, Gerardius Ruban, Fransiskus Rendi Ruban, Yogi Parlahutan Siregar, Refalino Walten, Antonius Heatubun, Martinus Heatubun, Andreas Kolatlena, Amatus Ruban, and Walterius Emanuel Heatuban. 

Paro district, which can be reached in 20 minutes from Kenyam, the capital of Nduga Regency, or approximately 25 minutes from Timika, does not have any post of the Indonesia Military or the Indonesian National Police.

(jo/hn/um)