Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. The Head of Damai Cartenz Operation Task Force 2023 Police Senior Superintendent Faizal Ramadhani has provided an update on the threat against the life of a Susi Air pilot who was held hostage by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB). In his recent statement, he clarified that the current threat came from a group independent of Egianus Kogoya group.

Highlighting the complex situation, he said that the KKB is composed of various factions rather than a single entity. "I convey that the KKB group in Papua consists of various groups. The ultimatum regarding the threat to kill the Susi Air pilot did not come from the Egianus Kogoya group but from the Jefry Pagawak group. The ultimatum threat was even uploaded by another group using an account named NT, which represents a faction from Intan Jaya," he said on Monday (7/3/23).

He also cautioned against the proliferation of news surrounding the hostage crisis, urging the public to exercise caution. He stressed that several KKB groups may exploit the situation to further their own agendas, which could potentially undermine the credibility of reported information.

Regarding Jefry Pagawak, the individual responsible for issuing the threat against the Susi Air pilot, he revealed that Jefry currently resides in Papua New Guinea (PNG) and has been a wanted person by the Indonesian National Police (INP). The Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force will take appropriate actions if Jefry falls within their surveillance, he added.

"In the meantime, the account that uploaded the ultimatum is a repeat offender as they were arrested a year ago and were only recently released a few months ago," he explained.

Reassuring the public, he emphasized that the ongoing investigation has confirmed the Susi Air pilot's good health as of July 2, 2023. Measures are being taken to ensure the continued well-being of the pilot.

While negotiations have been initiated by the Papua Regional Police Chief and the Regional Military Commander in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, including the Church and the Local Government, the situation is still evolving, he stated.

It is important to note that Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force has successfully arrested a spy associated with the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya in Kenyam, Nduga Regency. An extensive investigation is currently underway to gather additional information about the individual in question.

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