Semarang – Some 650 military personnel of Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 410/Aloguro left Tanjung Emas Seaport at Semerang, Central Java, for Papua on Monday to strengthen Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border security.

Yonif 410 will be replacing Infantry Battalion 310/Kidang Kencana, which has completed its assignments at the border. Military personnel of Yonif 410 will be stationed at the border for six months.

Spokesman for Regional Military Command IV/Diponegora Col. Ramses L. Tobing said Yonif 410 personnel have been given a number of tasks to tighten security along the border.

"Besides, the army has organised various programmes to improve the welfare of locals in Papua," he added. In the next six months, the officers will build a total of 24 posts. "Eighteen security posts and six command posts will be built," he added.