By: Patih Rumaga )*
The hijacking of a Susi Air plane involving one of its pilots became a national and international spotlight in 2023. The government’s success in freeing the Susi Air pilot demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to maintaining national security stability and protecting every citizen, even in the most challenging conditions. This success reflects the government’s determination to overcome security disturbances with a mature and measured strategy.
Since the beginning of the incident, the government has moved quickly and in a well-coordinated manner. Through collaboration between security institutions such as the TNI, Polri, and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the government has formulated an effective strategy in an effort to free the pilot. Facing difficult geographical challenges in Papua, the government continues to demonstrate its determination in maintaining national security, with steps that not only save hostages but also avoid loss of life. This demonstrates the government’s ability to handle complex situations while maintaining the safety of all parties.
The Papua region, especially in the interior and mountainous areas, does have its own challenges for law enforcement and security. However, the government has been able to face these challenges effectively. Difficult access, extreme geographical conditions, and the presence of armed groups trained in guerrilla tactics have been overcome through solid cooperation between the TNI and Polri. They work hand in hand despite difficult weather and logistical conditions, demonstrating high professionalism in maintaining the stability and security of the country.
In addition to geographical challenges, the government also pays attention to social and cultural factors in Papua. The long history of this region is handled with an inclusive and careful approach, where local sentiments are respected while maintaining the country’s sovereignty. The government takes wise diplomatic steps to resolve the problem, ensuring that national security remains a priority.
The government chose a balanced approach by combining diplomacy and measured military action. The safety of the hostages remained a primary concern, but the government remained steadfast in enforcing the law and maintaining state sovereignty. This approach reflected a mature and comprehensive policy, in which the government succeeded in protecting the security of its citizens while maintaining peace and stability in a challenging region. Negotiations with the hostage-taking group were an important step in the release effort. The government worked with local community leaders, including religious and traditional leaders, to open channels of communication with the armed group. This step was taken with the consideration that dialogue with those who understand local culture can help ease tensions and create opportunities for resolving the conflict peacefully.
After going through a long negotiation process and intense diplomatic efforts, the government finally succeeded in carrying out the operation to free the pilot. This operation involved various security and intelligence agencies, which worked together in very tight coordination. The success of this operation demonstrated the importance of cross-agency cooperation, in which the TNI, Polri, and BIN collaborated in various aspects of the operation, from planning to implementation in the field.
Member of the United Development Party (PPP) faction of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Ahmad Baidowi (Awiek) expressed his appreciation for the successful release of Susi Air Pilot, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens. Being held hostage for 1 year and 7 months is not a short time, so the government’s success in releasing Captain Philip brings a positive image for Indonesia in the eyes of the world. Awiek also added that this success will further strengthen Indonesia’s position on the international stage.
This success also shows the ability of Indonesian intelligence in handling situations that are full of risk. Accurate and timely information is very important in operations like this, and BIN plays a crucial role in providing information that allows the government to make the right decisions. On the other hand, the TNI and Polri showed high professionalism in carrying out operations in the field, where they managed to free the hostages without any casualties.
President Joko Widodo also expressed his appreciation for the success of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force in freeing Philip without a military operation. President Jokowi also emphasized the importance of the role of the TNI and Polri in maintaining security in Papua, especially in infrastructure development projects.
In addition, this success also sends a strong signal to armed groups in Papua that the government will not tolerate separatist actions or threats to the country’s sovereignty. By emphasizing that military operations and diplomacy will continue to be carried out in similar situations, the government is sending a message that it will not negotiate with groups that use violence as a bargaining tool.
Meanwhile, lessons learned from this case show the importance of involving local communities in resolving conflicts. Dialogue with local traditional and religious leaders has proven effective in helping to defuse tensions and open channels of communication with armed groups. The government needs to strengthen this approach in the future, by paying attention to local values and supporting more inclusive development in Papua.
The successful release of the Susi Air pilot is clear evidence of the government’s commitment to maintaining national security stability. This success not only shows the ability of Indonesian security institutions to handle crisis situations, but also shows the importance of a balanced approach between diplomacy and military action. In a broader context, this success also reflects the government’s efforts to continue to maintain the country’s sovereignty and protect its citizens amidst increasingly complex challenges.
)* The author is the editorial team of Kalimantan News