Ensuring Peace and Progress: TNI’s Commitment to Accelerating Welfare Development in Papua

Papua - In line with Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) has taken active steps to secure peace and foster growth in Papua. Jumat (18/10/2024).

With a mandate to support regional governments, provide essential services, and promote inclusive social communication, the TNI is playing a vital role in ensuring both security and sustainable development.

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The deployment of TNI forces to Papua focuses on creating a stable and conducive environment, ensuring residents and stakeholders can work together without disruption. However, challenges persist, particularly due to the activities of the Free Papua Movement (OPM), whose security threats have hindered development.

The OPM has carried out violent actions ranging from intimidation and assaults on civilians to attacks on security forces. Their latest actions include the murder of Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand pilot employed by PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, on August 5, 2024. Despite these tragic events, the TNI swiftly evacuated victims and secured areas, demonstrating their readiness to act even in the most challenging situations.

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“Our evacuation mission on August 6, which included health workers, teachers, and babies, was a humanitarian initiative carried out without waiting for requests from the victims' families or the New Zealand government, ” explained Colonel Yogi Nugroho, Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces, in his official statement.

In another successful operation, TNI personnel coordinated the rescue of Susi Air pilot Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, who had been held hostage by the OPM. The operation, completed on September 21, 2024, exemplifies TNI’s commitment to prioritizing peace and humanity over conflict.

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Colonel Yogi emphasized that the TNI and Polri (Indonesian National Police) remain committed to maintaining security throughout Papua. “Our task is to create a safe, peaceful environment free from OPM threats, ensuring the government’s welfare programs run smoothly, ” he said. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the TNI and local authorities in accelerating development efforts and improving public services for Papuans.

The operations in Papua reflect TNI’s professional, responsive, and integrative strategy to promote peace and development. In alignment with the national government’s vision, TNI’s presence in Papua goes beyond security serving as a bridge between the state, local communities, and other stakeholders.

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As TNI continues to support welfare initiatives in the region, their efforts highlight a modern and adaptive approach, ensuring that the vision of a prosperous and peaceful Papua can be achieved.