Inp.polri.go.id – Papua. Papua Regional Police Chief, Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri reports that Nduga Regional Government and Kingmi Church continue their effort in rescuing the New Zealand hostage from Egianus Kogoya Armed Criminal Group hold. "The Acting Regent of Nduga just a few days ago has reported their effort in rescuing the hostage," says the police chief. Police chief explains that his party will continue their soft approach and negotiation to rescue the hostage from the Armed Criminal Group. The involvement of Nduga Regional Government and the church in rescuing the hostage are because most of the Armed Criminal Group members are the people of the Nduga. They are expected to softly approach their families in convincing them to stop their criminal actions. "Hopefully, with the soft approach continuously carried out by the two parties, they could convince them to release the hostage safely,” said Inspector General Mathius. Meanwhile, the New Zealand Government has supported every effort taken by Indonesia to rescue Captain Philip Mehrtens, who has been held hostage since February 7th, 2023. (ad/ri/hn/nm)