Indonesian Armed Forces Lead Efforts to Accelerate Welfare and Stability in Papua

Papua - In a determined move to accelerate welfare development in Papua, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) have intensified their role in supporting the region’s stability and prosperity under Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020. This directive assigns the TNI three main tasks in Papua: providing security, supporting the Regional Government in delivering essential services, and promoting inclusive communication with all stakeholders to foster a peaceful environment.

To realize these goals, the TNI has deployed specialized military task forces throughout Papua, prioritizing security to ensure all stakeholders and residents can contribute to the region’s development in a safe environment. This focus on stability is essential, given the challenges posed by security disturbances from the Free Papua Movement (OPM), whose violent acts continue to impact daily life and impede welfare initiatives.

Recent tragic incidents highlight these challenges. The OPM’s attacks have targeted civilians and security forces alike, with notable cases including the murder of Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand helicopter pilot with PT Intan Angkasa Air Service. In a bold humanitarian response, TNI forces secured the area of Alama and safely evacuated Conning’s body, along with health workers, teachers, and even infants caught in the conflict—without any formal request from the victims' families or the New Zealand government. This operation demonstrated TNI’s commitment to humanitarian values and stability in the region.

Similarly, the TNI’s dedicated efforts recently resulted in the successful rescue of Susi Air Pilot Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the OPM. This operation underlined the TNI’s dedication to the safety and security of all who live and work in Papua.

“TNI and Polri forces are committed to maintaining a safe and peaceful Papua, free from the disturbances caused by the OPM, ” said Colonel Yogi Nugroho, Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces, in a written statement. “Our presence here underscores our support for the Indonesian Government’s program to accelerate welfare development in Papua.”

The TNI's mission in Papua reflects a modern, responsive, and integrated approach to security and development, embodying the values of professionalism, adaptability, and commitment to Indonesia's vision of a peaceful and prosperous Papua. 

Autentikasi: 

Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Kolonel Arh Yogi Nugroho