Commander: Discovery of cannabis plantations in Papua threatens national resilience
Timika (ANTARA) - Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command III (Pangkogabwilhan III), Major General TNI Lucky Avianto, stated that the recent discovery of cannabis plantations in several areas in the interior of Papua has become a serious threat to national resilience.
“Drugs are the paradox of development and welfare in Papua. This is no longer just a matter of ordinary law enforcement, but a serious threat to national resilience,” said Major General Lucky Avianto in Timika, Saturday.
Pangkogabwilhan III invited all elements and figures of the nation in this land of Cenderawasih to work together to declare a total war against the circulation of narcotics and illegal drugs in Papua.
“This movement must be a universal war involving all elements and figures of the nation in the land of Cenderawasih,” said Lucky.
In connection with this, on Thursday (14/5), Pangkobabwilhan III together with the Commander of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Major General TNI Febriel Buyung Sikumbang, the Deputy Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command, Air Marshal TNI Joko Sugeng Sriyanto, and other senior officials of the Joint Regional Defense Command visited the community in the Oksibil District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, Papua Province.
The Pegunungan Bintang Regency, which is located in a highland area and borders directly with neighboring Papua New Guinea (PNG), is often used as an area for planting cannabis.
“It turns out that the community is also being targeted by the circulation of these illicit goods, which are deliberately sold to young people in Papua,” he said.
In response to this situation, the TNI increased the intensity and scope of territorial security, with soldiers assigned to go deeper into the forests, valleys, or hills at the foot of the mountains, which are suspected of being locations for cannabis cultivation.
“We found even more heartbreaking facts, where a number of residents admitted to being intimidated by the OPM separatist group to plant cannabis around their own homes,” said Lucky.
During the visit to Oksibil, Papua, Pangkogabwilhan III and his team conducted socialization and education about the dangers of drugs, while also distributing photos of the wanted list of TPNPB-OPM figures who are the masterminds behind the rampant cultivation of cannabis in Papua.
The socialization was not only aimed at parents and Papua’s ‘mama-mama’ (mothers), but also at children and young people so that they understand the dangers of drugs from an early age.
Pangkogabwilhan III and his entourage also distributed school bags, notebooks, and snacks for children in Oksibil.
“This tactical step is our real commitment in supporting President Prabowo Subianto’s call for a total war against drug trafficking,” said Major General Lucky.
Pangkogabwilhan III expressed his appreciation to the TNI soldiers who successfully uncovered the discovery of nearly 2,000 cannabis plants in the Pegunungan Bintang region and other areas in Papua.
“The extraordinary dedication of the TNI Task Force not only carries out state duties, but has also saved the future of thousands of young generations in Papua. TNI soldiers will continue to stand firm, not only as guardians of state sovereignty, but also as the forefront in the universal war against drugs,” said Major General Lucky Avianto.