Inp.polri.go.id - Timika. The Indonesian National Police (INP) and Indonesian Military put forward a soft approach in searching and rescuing Phillip Mehrtens, the New Zealand pilot of the Susi Air plane who has been taken hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).

"In line with the direction of the Chief of Papua Regional Police the police is prioritizing a soft approach. Our focus at the moment is saving the pilot's life," Head of Public Relations of the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force Police Senior Superintendent Donny Charles told the media on Thursday (2/16/2023).

He expected that the cooperation of the whole community, mostly the Papua administration and local community leaders, play a role in resolving this case.

"We hope that local administration and community leaders to be active in establishing communication with the KKB leader Egianus Kogoya. The INP has set pre-emptive and preventive steps. However, if there is no progress, we will enforce law as the last option," the spokesperson added.

“We continue the search and rescue operation. Currently, we are on our first step, namely the soft approach," he said.

(jo/hn/um)