According to Hafid, the method that prioritized dialogue and a humanist approach was an important step and could be used as a benchmark in carrying out similar operations in future.
"The soft approach taken shows that conflict resolution can be carried out in a peaceful and measured manner. This is an achievement that we need to continue to develop in facing similar situations in the future," Hafid said in a statement on Saturday.
She expressed her highest appreciation for the successful release of Phillip Mark Merthens by the Cartenz 2024 Peaceful Operation Task Force, as well as all parties involved in the operation.
She further expressed her appreciation to President Joko Widodo, Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, the Indonesian National Police (Polri), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the Papua Provincial Government, traditional leaders, and Church leaders in Papua, as well as all parties for their efforts to free Captain Phillip.
"The release was carried out after Captain Philip was held hostage for 19 months by an armed group in Papua," she remarked.
Hafid expressed hope that the release of Captain Phillip could be a momentum for creating better security and stability in the land of Papua.
"Hopefully, this success will be the starting point for achieving more sustainable peace and prosperity in Papua," she stated.
On Saturday, Susi Air Pilot Phillip Mark Merthens was freed from the Egianus Kogoya-led armed separatist group after being held captive for about a year and a half.
Head of Public Relations of the Task Force, AKBP Bayu Suseno, stated that the pilot was successfully freed and picked up by the joint team in Nduga District and immediately flown to Timika, Central Papua.
"Today, we succeeded in picking up the pilot, Philip, in good health, then flew him from Nduga to Timika," he remarked.
He said that the pilot was then immediately taken to a special room for medical mitigation while ensuring his psychological comfort.
The New Zealand pilot was abducted by the armed separatist terrorist group on February 7, 2023, shortly after landing in Paro, Nduga District, Papua Pegunungan Province.
The group also torched the Susi Air aircraft that he had piloted.
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Translator: Melalusa Susthira Khalida, Yashinta Difa
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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