Mission to Rescue Susi Air Pilot Continues

The TNI would raise the mission. The mission currently still prioritizes humanism in order to minimize casualties.

DOKUMENTASI TPN-OPM

Photo of Susi Air pilot Philip Merthens from a video published by the National Liberation Army of the Free Papua Organization on Friday (10/3/2023). This pilot from New Zealand has been held captive by the Egianus Kogoya group since February 7 2023 in Nduga Regency, Highlands Papua.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – An Indonesian Military (TNI) soldier who was deployed in a rescue operation for Susi Air pilot, Phillip Mehrtens, was killed in a shootout against an armed criminal group in Mugi-Mam, Nduga regency, Papua. This incident, however, did not discourage the TNI. The rescue mission continues.

An armed group attacked TNI soldiers on duty in the Mugi-Mam area on Saturday (15/4/2023) afternoon. The soldiers attacked were part of the Infantry Battalion (Yonif) Raider 321/Galuh Taruna task force, who were taking part in the mission to rescue Mehrtens. The incident resulted in one casualty, namely First Pvt. Miftahul Arifin.

“The operation will go on. The TNI commander’s orders were clear. We must be firm and cannot hesitate,” said TNI spokesperson Rear Adm. Julius Widjojono in a press conference at the TNI headquarters in Jakarta on Sunday (16/4).

Also read:

> Don’t Burn Any More Planes

Julius said the TNI would raise the mission. The hostage location area has also become increasingly narrowed so the mission is expected to be more precise and optimal. The mission currently still prioritizes humanism in order to minimize casualties. The operational strategy and number of personnel deployed are confidential and cannot be disclosed to the public.

TNI commander Adm. Yudo Margono said he would thoroughly evaluate the shooting incident that occurred during the mission.

On 7 Feb. 2023, armed rebels led by Egianus Kogoya set fire to the Susi Air PK-BVY aircraft, which carried five residents of Paro, Nduga, Papua Highlands province and was piloted by Mehrtens. At that time, the plane landed at the Paro district airport. The five passengers were released while the pilot was taken hostage (Kompas.id, 6/3/2023).

Location known

The Yonif Raider 321/Galuh Taruna task force began in Mimika regency on 22 June 2022. The task force, which is based in Majalengka, West Java, was assigned to the 172/PWY Regional Military Command (Korem), which includes Nduga regency.

Julius said the Yonif Raider 321/Galuh Taruna task force was one of various task forces involved in the Susi Air pilot rescue mission, stationed at several points. The TNI was already aware of the pilot and the hostage-taker’s position.

KOMPAS/HENDRA A SETYAWAN

Head of the TNI Information Center Rear Admiral Julius Widjojono (center) gives a press statement regarding the attack by an armed criminal group (KKB) on members of the Indonesian Army who were carrying out an operation to free the Susi Air pilot in Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains, at TNI Headquarters, Cilangkap, Jakarta , Sunday (16/8/4/2023).

The shootout occurred as the team approached the hostage-taker. Miftahul was shot and fell into a 15-meter ravine. As the other soldiers were trying to evacuate Miftahul, they were attacked again.

According to Julius, it was still difficult to contact the other soldiers due to unpredictable weather conditions. In response to rumors that more than one TNI soldier died during the mission, Julius emphasized that as of Sunday afternoon, his party received information of only one casualty. “Please get your information from us, not from anywhere else,” said Julius.

In Jayapura, Papua, XVII/Cenderawasih Kodam spokesman Col. Cav. Herman Taryaman said it was foggy and telecommunication networks in the Mugi area were not supported in those conditions.

“It is certain that First Pvt. Miftahul has died. What has become of the other soldiers is unknown until now. Rain and fog have hampered communications with the security forces at the location,” said Herman.

Also read:

> Peace Efforts First Priority in Releasing NZ Pilot

Evacuating the victims will proceed, he added. “We ask that the people of Indonesia pray so that the evacuation of the soldiers goes smoothly,” he said.

The pro-independence fighters of the Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-OPM) have claimed responsibility for the attack on the TNI soldiers in the Mugi-Mam area in Nduga. The attack was led by Egianus.

Meanwhile, National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) head representative for the Papua region, Frits Ramandey, expressed his concern and sorrow over the incident in Nduga. “Komnas HAM urges Egianus and his members not to hinder the process of evacuating soldiers who were victims,” said Frits.

SATGAS DAMAI CARTENZ

Joint team of TNI and Polri at the location of the wreckage of the Susi Air plane which was burned by the armed criminal group Egianus Kogoya in Paro District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains on Wednesday (15/2/2023).

Macro policy

Tubagus Hasanuddin, a member of the House of Representatives Commission I overseeing defense, criticized the absence of macro policies in overcoming the complex problems of Papua. “There aren’t any macro policies yet,” he said.

Tubagus explained that macro policies were needed as a reference for all policymakers. Ambiguity at the state policy level results in ambiguity in the field.

In terms of budget, there are no funds allocated for TNI operations in Papua. In fact, many of the TNI’s missions, which take the form of intelligence and territorial operations with the aim of winning the people over, typically require more budget.

What is happening in Papua is war: kill or be killed.

The absence of macro policies also leaves combat operations in the dark. There are several task forces that are led by the National Police because they are termed law enforcement operations even though the police have not been trained to operate against guerillas.

On the other hand, law enforcement operations put a lot of pressure on the TNI as they fear being accused of human rights violations. “What is happening in Papua is war: kill or be killed,” said Tubagus.

According to him, if it is supposed to be a law enforcement operation, then there must be a preliminary investigation, a full-blown investigation and a legal process. (Z01)

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.