He delivered the statement after the 20th ASEAN Chief of Defence Forces Meeting in Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali, on Wednesday.
"As for the pilot, I have often said that we will still prioritize dialogue, coordination with public figures, religious figures, and traditional authorities, as well as acting head of Nduga District. We prioritize a persuasive approach, instead of military operations," he said.
Margono affirmed that he opts for using a persuasive approach in order to minimize civilian casualties, and noted that the rescue efforts would not involve violent methods.
"We still try to find (him), of course (with ways that) do not negatively affect people, or result in civilian casualties," he stated.
However, it is hard to navigate the area where armed criminal groups held Mehrtens hostage and attempt dialogue with them, he pointed out.
There is no set deadline for the rescue mission, considering it is difficult to engage in conversation with the group, he said. He stated that his administration is pursuing efforts in order to ensure that the persuasive approach is successful.
"Finding common ground between two parties is not easy," he noted.
He also spoke of communicating with the relevant people in order to ensure that the rescue efforts would not lead to losses or deaths, particularly of civilians who live near the hostile area.
"Of course, the acting head of district is still trying too, and agrees with it, and also barring me from conducting military operations. So are religious and community figures. Hence, we guard the nearby areas so those would remain conducive, and people would not (run away) because of this incident," he said.
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Translator: Rolandus Nampu, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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