Mehrtens was abducted by the armed criminal group, led by Egianus Kogoya, who also torched the Susi Air Pilatus Porter PC 6 aircraft piloted by him at the Paro Airfield, Nduga District, Highland Papua, on February 7.
"TNI is exerting its efforts along with the National Police. We will start with a law enforcement operation instead of promptly declaring a military operation. We will prioritize law enforcement. Because the KKB is now holding a foreigner as hostage, we will continue persuasion efforts," Margono stated after attending a mass exercise here, Wednesday.
Local authorities and local and customary figures serve as the intermediary in the negotiation effort, he remarked while adding that officers continue to provide security to residents close to where the hostage was abducted.
"We must negotiate. The TNI will prioritize regional and local figures (in negotiations). TNI could not deploy a military approach because now is peacetime, and there are civilians in Papua. We must ensure that locals are not affected," the admiral stressed.
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The military and police officers also guard public facilities to prevent attacks on them by armed criminal groups, he stated.
Margono affirmed that the military would not deploy additional troops for the hostage rescue mission, and the recent incoming troops in Papua are only troop changes.
Meanwhile, the TNI commander urged residents to not exaggerate about the armed criminal groups or perceive them to be popularly supported, as he believed that most Papuans are peace-loving and intent on leading a peaceful existence.
"Do not exaggerate (about) them because that makes (the armed criminal group) excited. I believe the majority of Papuan people want a decent life in peace and want to see their children grow and achieve their dreams," Margono stated.
Margono also said armed criminal groups in Papua are merely gangsters, who oppress residents through terror acts and coerce them to replenish their supplies.
"They oppress the people and demand money. Once they deplete their money, they will escalate their action through arson and oppression, and the cycle will continue. Hence, I believe we must not exaggerate about them," he remarked.
Related news: Ministry temporarily closes Paro Airfield in Nduga, Papua
Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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