Imam B, Rahmad Nasution, Jakarta – Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander, General Andika Perkasa, shared information on strategic changes in the handling of problems in Papua and West Papua provinces during a hearing session with lawmakers here Monday.

"We are doing several things to address the dynamics of the problems in the long-term period by returning duties or operations in Papua and West Papua as part of the tasks of organic units as in other provinces or islands," he said.

Speaking to members of Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), which oversees foreign affairs and defense here, he said Papua's problems are related to "dynamic thought."

Therefore, they must be dealt with "sustainable and long term strategies," he said, adding that TNI has also been asked to assist in the accelerated development of Papua and West Papua to bring prosperity to communities.

The TNI has received the mandate following the issuance of Presidential Instruction No. 9/2020 on the acceleration of welfare development in Papua and West Papua, he added.

In general, there have been additional placements of TNI personnel considering the requirement of task forces in the two easternmost provinces, he informed.

The task forces comprise the Paniai District Military Command (Kodim) Task Force, which covers the districts of Paniai, Degoyai, and Waropen; Kodim Intan Jaya Task Force; and Kodim Puncak Task Force, he said.

They also include the Kodim Lani Jaya Task Force, which covers the districts of Lani Jaya and Tolikara, and Kodim Yalimo Task Force, which covers the districts of Yalimo, Jayapura, and Membramo Tengah, he added.

The Kodim Kepulauan Bintang Task Force and Kodim Nduga Task Force, which covers the districts of Yahukimo and Asmat, have also been placed in the provinces, he said.

Meanwhile, around 235 navy personnel would be placed in naval bases while 411 air force personnel would join several air force bases in Papua, he added.

The hearing session was chaired by head of Commission I, Abdul Kharis Almasyhari, and two of his colleagues, Utut Adianto and Anton Sukartono.

At the meeting, General Perkasa was accompanied by Army Chief of Staff, General Dudung Abdurahman; Navy Chief of Staff, Admiral Yudo Margono; and Air Force Chief of Staff, Marshal Fadjar Prasetyo, among others.

Source: https://en.antaranews.com/news/211505/tni-commander-apprises-lawmakers-of-strategic-changes-in-papu