Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri, the head of Papua's regional police, has expressed hopes for the speedy release of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, a New Zealand national who has been held captive by an armed criminal group (KKB) since 7 February 2023. "I am hopeful that the KKB will release the captive soon, perhaps as a Christmas gift," he said on Monday (6/11/2023), according to antaranews.com. Chief Fakhiri stressed that various entities, including the Nduga regency administration, community leaders and religious figures, were currently negotiating for the pilot's release. "We are actively negotiating and pursuing various channels to ensure the safe release of the captive. Our goal is a speedy resolution," he reiterated. According to reports, pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens, who is in the custody of the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya, is in good health. "We are working towards Philip's early release. He was picked up shortly after landing at Paro airport in Nduga regency," Chief Fakhiri said, noting that the security situation remained relatively stable and under control. (mg/inp/pr/nm)