Andita Rahma, Jakarta – National Police chief General Idham Azis and Indonesian Armed Forces or TNI commander Air Chief Marshall set to leave for Papua today, November 27. The visit was reportedly aimed at monitoring the situation ahead of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) anniversary that falls on December 1.

The police spokesman Brig. Gen. Argo Yuwono balked at commenting further in light of the visit. "[The visit aims to] monitor the situation," said Argo at his office, South Jakarta, Tuesday, November 26.

Meanwhile, Papua Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Ahmad Mustofa Kamal said the five-day visit would be carried out following the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.

"It is a working visit and aims to check Wamena district ahead of Christmas and New Year," said Kamal when asked for confirmation on Tuesday, November 26.

Earlier, Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Paulus Waterpauw said that at least 3,000 personnel were stationed in the country's easternmost province until this year's end. Their task assignment was extended in order to secure the OPM anniversary, Christmas Day, and New Year.

"Some 3,000 personnel are still deployed there. We extend their duty until December 31, while the rest have been returned to their respective police headquarters," said Paulus on Wednesday, November 20.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1277047/police-chief-tni-commander-leave-for-papua-to-monitor-opm-day