TNI’s Commitment to Supporting Papua’s Welfare and Security Amidst Challenges

PAPUA - The Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020 on the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua serves as a guiding framework for the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in their multifaceted missions across the region. This mandate emphasizes three primary objectives: ensuring security, assisting local governments in delivering essential services, and fostering inclusive social communication with all stakeholders in Papua.

Guided by this directive, the TNI has deployed specialized Task Forces to Papua, tasked with creating a stable and secure environment essential for the region’s development. Ensuring peace is critical, given the persistent security challenges posed by the Free Papua Movement Organization (OPM). These disturbances, ranging from intimidation and violence to heinous crimes such as rape and murder, have significantly hindered development efforts in Papua.

The ongoing threats were tragically underscored by the murder of Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand citizen and helicopter pilot for PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, on Monday, August 5, 2024. OPM's attacks have targeted both civilians and security personnel alike, disrupting daily life and progress in the region. The following day, the TNI undertook a humanitarian mission, successfully securing the Alama area and evacuating victims, including health workers, teachers, and infants. “This effort was conducted purely on humanitarian grounds, without any formal requests from the victim’s family or the New Zealand Government, ” explained Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces, Colonel Yogi Nugroho.

Colonel Yogi also highlighted TNI’s pivotal role in the successful rescue of Susi Air Pilot Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the OPM. His release, on September 21, 2024, exemplified TNI’s unwavering commitment to collaborative humanitarian actions aimed at restoring peace and stability in Papua.

“TNI and Polri Security Forces remain steadfast in ensuring that Papua remains safe and conducive for development, free from the shadow of OPM’s disturbances, ” said Colonel Yogi. He emphasized that these ongoing efforts are aligned with the Indonesian Government’s mission to accelerate welfare improvements in Papua, ensuring that the region’s development is not just a goal but a reality.

Authentication:
Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Colonel Arh Yogi Nugroho