TNI’s Commitment: Advancing Welfare Development Amid Challenges in Papua

PAPUA - The Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020, focusing on the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua, provides the legal foundation for the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) to actively support the region. The instruction outlines three critical tasks for the TNI: ensuring security, assisting regional governments in providing basic services, and fostering inclusive social communication with all stakeholders in Papua.

In line with this mandate, the TNI has deployed Military Task Forces across Papua, striving to maintain stability and security as a cornerstone for development. Amid ongoing challenges posed by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which continues to create unrest, the TNI’s efforts have been pivotal in enabling progress in welfare development.

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The OPM’s actions, ranging from intimidation and violence against civilians to heinous crimes like rape and murder, have severely disrupted the region's peace. A notable tragedy was the murder of New Zealand helicopter pilot Glen Malcolm Conning on Monday (5/8/2024). Despite the grave circumstances, the TNI swiftly intervened, securing the Alama area and evacuating victims, including health workers, teachers, and infants, as part of a humanitarian mission.

“The evacuation of Glen’s body and other victims was not prompted by any formal request from the New Zealand Government or the victim’s family but was a purely humanitarian initiative by the TNI, ” stated Colonel Yogi Nugroho, Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces, in a press release. Similarly, the successful rescue of Susi Air pilot Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens on Saturday (21/9/2024) highlights the TNI’s commitment to peace and safety in Papua, conducted collaboratively with stakeholders.

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Colonel Yogi emphasized the importance of the TNI and Polri's roles in maintaining a secure, conducive environment in Papua. “The TNI and Polri’s ongoing presence and operations in Papua are essential to safeguarding the region and supporting the government’s program to accelerate welfare development, ” he stated.

Through their relentless efforts, the TNI continues to prove its unwavering dedication to fostering peace and development, paving the way for a brighter future in Papua.

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(HABEMA Media Task Force Command)

Autentikasi: 
Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Kolonel Arh Yogi Nugroho

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