Inp.polri. go.id - Jakarta. Chief of the Indonesian National Police (INP) Police General Listyo Sigit Prabowo confirmed on Tuesday (7/2/23) that the pilot and passengers of the plane operated by Susi Air that was set alight in Papua have been taken hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB).

"Our joint team from the Cartensz Peace Operation is currently searching for them,” the Chief said during a press conference aired by the Presidential Secretariat Youtube channel.

The plane that was set alight carried five passengers. The pilot of the plane had been identified as Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who holds New Zealand nationality. The plane carried five passengers, including a baby, on board.

Chief of Papua Regional Police Inspector General Mathius D. Fakhiri has previously said that the incident occurred following a threat to workers at one of the health centers in Papua.

"There was a threat to health center workers that we tried to evacuate them. However, the plane that we sent  (for the evacuation) was set alight this morning," he explained.

(ay/hn/um)