Ririe Ranggasari, Jakarta – The Indonesian Military's TNI headquarters has confirmed that it will not withdraw or increase its troop presence in Papua despite the completion of an operation to free Susi Air pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens from hostage.
TNI Information Center chief Major General Hariyanto said the presence of TNI soldiers and National Police Polri personnel in Papua was to help the government improve local development, the economy, and public welfare.
"Our presence there is to maintain stable conditions and ensure public safety," Hariyanto said via text message on Wednesday, Sept. 25.
The presence of the TNI-Polri, particularly in Nduga Nduga Regency, has had a positive impact in preventing unrest from separatist movements.
According to Hariyanto, the frequent riots by separatist groups in Nduga have caused abnormalities in the social lives of the people of Nduga.
"The narrative of troop withdrawal is OPM propaganda. But one thing is clear, we will not withdraw or increase our troops in view of the regional elections," Hariyanto said.
New Zealand pilot Philip Mark Merhtens was taken hostage by Egianus' militia after landing a Susi Air plane with registration code PK-BVY at Paro airport in Nduga regency on September 7, 2023.
After nearly twenty months as a hostage, he was released by the TPNPB militia led by Egianus Kogoya on September 21.