Kogabwilhan III distributes humanitarian aid to residents in Jila
The Joint Regional Defence Command (Kogabwilhan) III has distributed humanitarian aid in the form of food supplies to 500 residents from nine villages in Jila District, Mimika Regency, Central Papua.
Residents in the area are experiencing a food crisis following a sudden attack and the abduction of nine civilians carried out by the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) several days ago.
Commander of Kogabwilhan III, Lieutenant General Lucky Avianto, said in a statement in Timika on Saturday that the food aid was flown using two Indonesian Air Force helicopters from Yohanis Kapiyau Air Force Base in Timika to the capital of Jila District and Bunaraugin Village, which are currently the main evacuation points for residents.
“In a difficult situation like this, the safety and basic needs of the community are the top priority of the government, represented by Kogabwilhan III,” he said.
The Kogabwilhan commander directly monitored and inspected the food supplies sent to Jila District.
Upon arrival at the evacuation point, the aid from Kogabwilhan was immediately distributed to residents who had been waiting since morning. The remaining food aid was set aside as reserves in the evacuation post, which is tightly guarded by TNI task force troops.
Lieutenant General Lucky also requested prayers and support from all Indonesians for the main humanitarian mission currently being carried out by Kogabwilhan III, namely freeing residents still held by the armed group of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM).
“At present, TNI task force troops continue to work to locate the residents who have become victims of the abduction,” he said.
He reminded the OPM that no struggle, no difference of opinion, and no reason whatsoever justifies the abduction of children and defenceless civilians.
Together with the TNI, Lieutenant General Lucky said that traditional and religious leaders are also continuing to issue appeals and calls to the OPM to immediately release all residents.