Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security's Statement on the Firefight in Yahukimo
Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan - Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Djamari Chaniago stated that the firefight between a joint TNI-Polri team and an armed criminal group (KKB) in Yahukimo Regency was one of the efforts to maintain the security of the local residents.
“Everything is them (the apparatus) securing the residents or Indonesian citizens here. Because with security that can make this national development situation run well, it must certainly be carried out by the TNI, by the Police,” Djamari said when providing a statement after accompanying Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka to inspect Dekai Regional General Hospital, Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan, on Tuesday.
He mentioned that these security efforts will be carried out continuously to ensure the implementation of the development agenda in Papua.
According to him, regional stability is key to realising various priority programmes optimally.
“Those efforts have been carried out, are being carried out until today, and will be implemented. Until when? Until it’s finished and development can run well for the interests of our people here,” he said.
“Those are our brothers in the forest over there, wanting to come and get caught here,” Djamari said.
Djamari also emphasised that the situation in the Yahukimo area is generally safe and under control at present.
He reiterated that security apparatus continue to take measured steps to ensure regional stability and protect residents.
During patrol
Based on information gathered, the firefight occurred last week when the joint team was patrolling and passing through the Trans Papua Road until the shots hit a tactical vehicle.
However, the situation heated up again when the KKB fired from two different directions, namely the right and left sides of the road.
The firefight resumed, and from the forest direction, shouts were heard indicating the presence of the armed group.
Regarding the incident, the Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security assessed that the firefight was an effort by the TNI-Polri to guarantee security until peace is realised and development acceleration can be carried out well.