The news of the release of Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens by an armed militia group led by Egianus Kogoya on September 21, 2024 is an important development in the hostage crisis that lasted for more than a year. Philip, a New Zealand citizen, was held hostage since February 7, 2023 in Paru District, Nduga Regency, Mountainous Papua, and his release involved the Joint TNI-Polri Team in the Cartenz Peace Operation Task Force on September 21, 2024 in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency, Mountainous Papua Province.

The operation was hailed as a significant achievement, not only because it ended the hostage-taking without violence, but also thanks to cooperation with local community leaders, churches, women, and youth.

After his release, Philip had a video call via WhatsApp with his wife and children who are currently in Bali waiting for Philip's return.

Philip seemed very happy after finally being released by a pro-independence armed militia group labeled by the Indonesian Government as an Armed Criminal Group or Armed Separatist Rebel Group.

“Hello everyone, today I finally got out (released). I feel very happy because I can see my family again. Thank you (to) everyone who helped me come out safe and sound. Once again thank you very much everyone,” Philip said in a press statement to reporters in Timika, Saturday (21/9/2024).

Commander of the Joint Area Defense Command III, TNI Lieutenant General Bambang Trinsohadi in a press statement to reporters said that, after being released, Philip underwent a physical and psychological health check in Timika, and the results showed that despite losing weight, his health was stable. Furthermore, he was flown to Jakarta to be handed over to the New Zealand Embassy and his family.

Lt. Gen. Bambang Trinsohadi along with a number of TNI and Polri officials also expressed their gratitude to the President of the Republic of Indonesia for his support in the hostage release effort.
The gratitude was also conveyed to the TNI Commander and the National Police Chief as a form of appreciation for their role and support in carrying out tasks in the field, especially in crisis situations such as the release of hostages.

Lt. General Bambang Trinsohadi also expressed his deep appreciation and respect for the sacrifices of TNI and Polri soldiers who have died in carrying out state duties or hostage release operations.

The Head of Operations of the Cartenz Peace Task Force, Police Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, emphasized the importance of constant communication in dealing with the various factions of the armed criminal group (KKB). Despite the complex negotiation challenges, the operation succeeded in safely rescuing Philip.

Brig. Gen. Faizal Ramadhani said the success of this operation was achieved without the deployment of military troops, but rather through cooperation with local community leaders, churches, women, and youth.

Head of the Cartenz Peace Operation Public Relations Task Force, Police Commissioner Bayu Suseno said, Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens after undergoing physical and psychological health treatment, then departed to Jakarta to be handed over by the Indonesian Government to the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta and to the family.

The departure of Philip Mark Mehrtens, according to Bayu, will use an aircraft belonging to the Air Force, where the aircraft will depart for Jakarta with a transit in Sultan Hasaduniddin International Aiport, Makassar.

In the departure, Philip was accompanied by TNI and Polri officials who specifically accompanied Philip to Jakarta.

The hostage-taking case has become an international issue, given that Philip Mark Mehrtens is a New Zealand citizen, and this incident triggered various diplomatic efforts and security operations to free him.
This is an important achievement for Indonesian security forces who worked closely with various parties to resolve the long-running hostage crisis without any casualties.