Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia Regarding the Release of Susi Air Pilot by the TNI and Polri, Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, September 21, 2024
Reporter
What is your response regarding the Susi Air pilot who was finally released after being held hostage for 19 months, Mr President?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It has been a very long negotiation process, and our main concern was the safety of the pilot. The TNI and the Polri have been involved with a very long negotiation process. I express my appreciation to the TNI and the Polri. [The pilot] would be transferred from Yuguru village, Maibarok district, Nduga regency to the hospital. The pilot will have his health condition checked, and he will be transferred to his home country.
Reporter
What about the evaluation process to prevent similar incident in the future, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Every activity carried out in Papua should be accompanied by security forces. The activities in road infrastructure construction or bridge construction, as well as pilots who bring logistics to Nduga, to Wamena, and to Puncak area should be accompanied by the TNI and the Polri personnel. Bridge construction activities should be accompanied by security forces so that we can prevent similar hostage incidents from happening.
Reporter
Is there a turning point in the diplomacy process for the release of the Susi Air pilot?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I will not provide the details, what I can confirm is that we carried out the negotiation process.
Reporter
Mr Prabowo will form zaken kabinet, what is your response, sir?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That is very good, because the cabinet will immediately work once being inaugurated and will not waste time on unnecessary things. I think that is very good, the zaken kabinet is very good.
Reporter
But the number of Cabinet Ministers is more than…
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
That is the prerogative of the President-elect.
Reporter
What if the PDIP party joins Mr Prabowo’s cabinet?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You may ask the President-elect. That is the President’s prerogative.
Reporter
Will you appoint new Cabinet Secretary?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The process is underway.
(RI/MUR)