TNI's Commitment to Accelerating Welfare Development in Papua Amid Security Challenges

PAPUA - The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) remain steadfast in their commitment to supporting the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua, as mandated by Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020. This directive outlines three primary missions for the TNI: ensuring security stability, assisting the regional government in providing essential public services, and fostering inclusive social communication with all stakeholders in Papua.

To fulfill this mandate, the TNI has deployed military task forces across Papua to safeguard stability and create a conducive environment for development. Ensuring security is crucial, given the persistent threats posed by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which continues to carry out acts of violence and disruption, obstructing the region’s progress.

The OPM has frequently engaged in intimidation, violence, and even murder, targeting both civilians and security personnel. One of the most heinous acts occurred on Monday, August 5, 2024, when Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand citizen and helicopter pilot for PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, was brutally murdered by OPM insurgents. The TNI swiftly responded on August 6, securing Alama and evacuating the victims, including health workers, teachers, and even infants, in a purely humanitarian effort—without any prior requests from the victims' families or the New Zealand government.

A similar humanitarian mission led to the successful rescue of Susi Air Pilot Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the OPM and liberated on September 21, 2024. These actions reaffirm the TNI’s dedication to safeguarding lives and restoring peace in Papua.

"The TNI and Polri security forces will continue their mission in Papua to maintain security, stability, and ensure that OPM disturbances do not hinder the region’s welfare development, " stated Colonel Yogi Nugroho, Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces. He emphasized that the TNI’s operations are in direct support of the Indonesian government’s program to accelerate development and improve the welfare of Papuans.

With unwavering dedication, the TNI remains at the forefront of securing Papua’s future, ensuring that every citizen can live, work, and contribute to the region’s sustainable growth without fear of violence or instability.

Authentication:
Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Colonel Arh Yogi Nugroho