Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. The Chief of Papua Regional Police Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri has confirmed that the efforts to release the New Zealand pilot are still in progress. "Indeed, the operations to release the hostage held by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) are being conducted with meticulous precision and utmost care," he said on Friday (8/9/23). While the negotiations involving various parties are still underway, the objective remains to minimize any harm to both civilians and security personnel, as he emphasized, "We are committed to preventing any acts of violence, especially as we approach a significant national event." Moreover, he underscored that personnel are refraining from engaging in offensive actions or pursuits. Instead, their priority is to safeguard residential areas, ensuring a sense of security to the local populace. In February 2023, Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens was taken captive by the KKB, led by Egianus Kogoya, after landing his plane in Paro, Nduga Regency, in the Papua Highlands. (ndt/hn/nm)