Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo affirmed that the government and security forces are actively pursuing various measures to secure the release of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtrens, who has been held captive by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya since February 2023.

During his visit to Papua on Friday (7/7/23), President Jokowi emphasized that the government's actions and efforts regarding the hostage situation cannot be disclosed at this time, stating, "The government has exerted great efforts to address this issue, and the process is still ongoing."

"What is certain is that the government will continue to make efforts to free the New Zealand national pilot," President Jokowi continued.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Papua Regional Police Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri remain prioritizes the negotiation process, involving Egianus' family, community leaders, and religious figures, and the process is still ongoing.

"Negotiations continue to be the focal to secure the release of pilot Philip," he said.

(ndt/hn/um)