Jakarta – Prominent religious figures in Papua have expressed deep concern over the ongoing drama of Pilot Susi Air hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Paro District, Nduga Regency, Papua. They urged the KKB to end this drama as soon as possible, and the authorities to ensure the safety of the surrounding community and take firm action against anyone involved.
While attending a television program today, the Chairperson of the Religious Harmony Forum from Jayapura Regency, Rev. Albert Yoku, said that the sacrifices of the pilots were not small to be able to bring civilization and development in mountainous Papua, because they risked their lives with short paths and cold weather. sometimes bad.
“The flights aim to break isolation and bring about change in the mountainous region. Human development activities in Highlands Papua, with these pioneering flights made it easier for church, health and goods workers. So indeed the pilots are the heroes of opening up the isolation and the heroes of a new civilization for the Papuan people,” said Rev. Albert.
Rev. Albert also demanded that the Egianus Kogoya KKB Group immediately release the pilot who is currently being held hostage, because this action has harmed all the Papuan people who are currently experiencing development progress.
“Because this context is very high and affiliated with politics and militancy, the role I think is from religious leaders, traditional leaders must still appeal to and remind Egianus’ son, because this is an act of fatalism towards the changes that have been built so far,” said Rev. Albert .
This statement received support from Political Observer, Ikrar Nusa Bhakti on the same occasion. Pledge assesses peace in the land of Papua is very important.
“Not only for the local people and the Indonesian people as a whole, because also for the international community because of the large number of investments in the land of Papua,” he concluded.
If there is no other choice, according to Pledge, the security approach used must be carefully calculated for what will happen. He also believes that Papuan religious leaders can unite the Indonesian people.
“I believe that religious leaders can unite and have the same vision and desire to solve this problem, they can resolve conflicts in local customs,” said Ikrar.
Previously, the hostage-taking started with the sabotage of a Susi Air plane on 7 February 2023. The PK-BVY plane for the Timika-Paro pilot flight route was damaged by the TPNPB-OPM separatist group led by Egianus Kogoya. The destruction was carried out after landing at the Apro Airport, Tuesday 7 February 2023 at 06.17 WIT. At that time, TPNPB-OPM spokesperson Sebby Sambom, in his written statement, claimed responsibility for the sabotage of the Susi Air plane. His party also admitted that he had taken Philips pilot Mark Methrtens (37), a New Zealand national, hostage. Sebby said he would not release the pilot until New Zealand and other countries were held accountable.
