Joint Apparatus’ Humanist Approach Successfully Frees Susi Air Pilot from OPM

Joint Apparatus’ Humanist Approach Successfully Frees Susi Air Pilot from OPM

By: Yunus Korowa

A humanist approach has proven to be a key strategy in the operation to free Susi Air pilot Philip Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) for 19 months. The Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force prioritized dialogical steps through a soft approach, rather than using more aggressive military force. This success is proof that a peaceful approach can produce real solutions amidst the prolonged conflict in Bumi Cenderawasih.

Brigadier General Pol Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, as Head of Operations for the Cartenz 2024 Peace Task Force, stated that since the beginning of the operation, his party had decided to prioritize a soft approach, involving religious figures, traditional figures, and the family of Egianus Kogoya, the leader of the Papuan separatist group responsible for taking Philip hostage.

This approach was taken to minimize casualties, both from the security forces, civilians, and the hostage-takers themselves. The main objective of this step is to maintain the safety of Pilot Philip during the negotiation process.

The humanist approach is not only a tactical choice, but also a moral one. The Cartenz Peace Task Force understands that the use of excessive military force in the area nicknamed the Little Heaven at the tip of Indonesia can worsen the situation.

Therefore, the important role of local community leaders is highly prioritized. Intensive dialogue with parties close to Egianus Kogoya is expected to touch the humanitarian side of the hostage-takers and open up space for more effective negotiations. After going through a long process, on September 21, 2024, a joint TNI-Polri team that is part of the Cartenz Peace Task Force managed to pick up Philip in good health.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Public Relations Task Force for the 2024 Cartenz Peace Operation, KBP Dr. Bayu Suseno, added that Pilot Philip was successfully freed in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency, then immediately flown to the Brimob Battalion B Headquarters in Timika.

After arriving in Timika, Pilot Philip immediately underwent medical mitigation to ensure that his health condition was stable, both physically and psychologically. This step is important to ensure that the release process does not leave a lasting trauma impact on Philip.

The rapid evacuation and recovery process shows how coordination between all levels of the TNI, Polri and BIN security forces is running well in the field. Kombes Pol. Bayu emphasized that although the hostage-taking ended peacefully, vigilance must still be maintained so that similar situations do not recur in the future.

Therefore, more intensive supervision of community activities in the area must continue to be carried out, especially in areas prone to conflict with separatist groups.

This success received direct appreciation from President Joko Widodo. The seventh President of the Republic of Indonesia praised the performance of the TNI-Polri in carrying out operations by prioritizing negotiation and avoiding repressive actions.

According to the President, this achievement reflects how a humanist approach can be an effective solution to resolve the crisis in the region nicknamed the Little Heaven in Eastern Indonesia.

The President also emphasized the importance of continued assistance from security forces in every development activity in Papua. Including infrastructure development and logistics distribution that require strict supervision from the authorities so that the development process runs smoothly without interference from separatist groups.

In addition, the President also reminded that every development effort in the region nicknamed the Golden City must not be separated from the presence of the TNI-Polri. Guarding vital projects such as the construction of bridges and other public facilities must continue to be carried out, so that the Papuan people can enjoy the results of development safely and comfortably. This effort is also expected to prevent a repeat of hostage-taking incidents such as that experienced by Pilot Philip.

The success of the release is a reflection of the government’s commitment to maintaining security stability in Papua through a more humanist approach. This operation proves that a peaceful solution can be achieved in the midst of a long-standing conflict.

In addition, the active role of local community leaders and the dialogical approach provide hope that the conflict in Bumi Cenderawasih can be resolved without sacrificing lives.

The Cartenz Peace Task Force has shown that the soft approach is not only an effective tactic in dealing with troublemaking groups in the region, but also a form of commitment to maintaining peace and safety for the Papuan people.

The success of the release is a reflection of the government’s commitment to maintaining security stability in Papua through a more humanist approach. This operation proves that a peaceful solution can be achieved in the midst of a long-standing conflict.

In addition, the active role of local community leaders and the dialogical approach provide hope that the conflict in Bumi Cenderawasih can be resolved without sacrificing lives.

The Cartenz Peace Task Force has shown that the soft approach is not only an effective tactic in dealing with troublemaking groups in the region, but also a form of commitment to maintaining peace and the safety of the Papuan people.

The implementation of this strategy can be an inspiration for other security operations in various conflict-prone areas in Indonesia. In the future, maintaining a balance between law enforcement and a humanist approach will be an important challenge for security forces, especially in efforts to resolve prolonged conflicts in areas vulnerable to separatist movements.

With this strategy, it is hoped that security in the Papua region will be increasingly maintained, and local people can enjoy development without threat. The ongoing dialogue is expected to be able to reduce tensions in the Little Heaven that Fell to Earth, so that the future of this region will be brighter.

*) Senior Researcher on Papuan Issues – Independent Papuan Institute for Social and Political Studies