Reclaiming 56 OPM Bases, Marine Task Force in Papua Receives KSAL Award

Navy Chief of Staff (KSAL) Admiral TNI Muhammad Ali presented awards to two Marine Corps task forces (satgas) operating in Papua.

The awards were given for the success of the purple beret soldiers in border security operations that not only neutralised members of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM), but also captured dozens of armed group bases.

One of the units receiving the award is the RI-PNG Border Security Task Force Mobile Infantry Battalion (Yonif) 10 Marine Gobang IV, led by Lieutenant Colonel Mar Aris Moko, a 2005 Naval Academy graduate.

The Yonif 10 Marine Gobang IV task force, operating in the Southwest Papua region, achieved success by controlling 56 OPM bases scattered across several strategic points, including Maybrat Regency and Bintuni Regency.

In a series of these operations, the Marines also managed to neutralise 10 members of the armed separatist group.

They secured a total of 4 firearms, 13 rifles, ammunition, 146 traditional weapons, 11 mobile phones, 2 handie-talkies, 2 OPM organisation agendas, 24 power systems, Morning Star accessories, and other logistical equipment.

“This success demonstrates the high combat capability and effectiveness of operations carried out by the Marine Corps in facing complex and high-risk operational terrain,” quoted from a written statement by the Indonesian Navy Information Service (Dispenal), Thursday (7/5).

Before receiving the highest award from the KSAL, several soldiers in the Yonif 10 Marine Gobang IV task force also received extraordinary promotions (KPLB), schooling, and overseas task force assignments.

“The extraordinary promotions were given to soldiers assessed to have shown heroic actions, high dedication, and significant contributions to the success of operations, especially in firefights and control of armed group base areas,” said Dispenal.