Political Roundup: Coordinating Minister Condemns KKB, Hashim Says Free Nutritious Meals Programme Will Continue
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Djamari Chaniago has condemned the brutal killing of American pilot Nicholas F. Goseli by an armed criminal group (KKB) in Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan, on Thursday (2/7). “I strongly condemn the burning of the aircraft and the heinous act against the AMA plane pilot, which is strongly suspected to have been carried out by the KKB,” Djamari said in an official press statement received in Jakarta on Friday. He stressed that the perpetrators must be dealt with firmly for taking a life and threatening the security of the Papuan people.
Koops TNI Habema is currently pursuing the separatist group responsible for shooting the pilot of the PT AMA Air PK-RCY aircraft in Kampung Balinggama, Sobaham District, Yahukimo Regency. The operation was launched after the joint command successfully recovered the body from the shooting site. “The evacuation operation involved 10 Koops TNI Habema personnel supported by two Caracal helicopters. The entire process prioritised security and precision given the highly difficult mountainous terrain,” said Head of Information for Koops TNI Habema, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Wirya Arthadiguna.
The XVIII National Working Meeting of the Association of Indonesian City Governments (APEKSI) in Medan produced ten recommendations to be submitted to the central government. APEKSI Chairman Eri Cahyadi stated the recommendations represent a consensus among all participants regarding regional development in their respective areas. “With the shortcomings that exist in each city, these recommendations are intended to convey solutions,” he said during a press conference following the meeting’s closing ceremony.
People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Ahmad Muzani spoke about the role of Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, during a pilgrimage to the tomb of Imam Bukhari in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Friday. Muzani noted that relations between Indonesia and Uzbekistan have existed for a long time, even before official diplomatic ties were established. He said President Soekarno was the first Indonesian figure to visit the tomb of Imam Bukhari in 1956. “Since then until now, the tomb of Imam Bukhari has been visited and pilgrimaged by Muslims from all over the world,” Muzani said in a written statement.
Special Presidential Envoy for Energy and Climate Hashim Djojohadikusumo has affirmed that the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme for children and pregnant women will not be stopped. Speaking at the inauguration of the Srikandi Jaga Desa board in Jakarta on Friday evening, Hashim stressed that MBG is a firm commitment of President Prabowo Subianto. “I think it is no longer a secret that the government is determined to continue the MBG programme; it will not stop until we succeed. We will provide nutritious food to all children and pregnant women who need it. That is a resolve, a campaign promise of Prabowo Subianto, and it will not stop, it will be continued,” he said.