TNI Commander emphasises collaboration to handle Papua conflict

The Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General Agus Subiyanto, has emphasised the importance of collaboration between the TNI, ministries, agencies, and local governments in addressing the conflict in Papua.

“I believe that resolving the issues in Papua cannot be achieved by the TNI alone; everyone must collaborate: local governments and various ministries,” said Agus when met in the Monas area, Central Jakarta, on Sunday.

He noted that such collaboration would support the operations already being conducted by the TNI, considering that Papua is a vast territory characterised by extensive mountainous terrain.

The TNI’s Habema Operations Command identified the armed group of the Free Papua Organisation (OPM) Kodap III Ndugama as the perpetrators of violence against Aris Sanda.

The Head of Information for the TNI Habema Operations Command, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Wirya Arthadiguna, explained that Aris was transporting several passengers in an open-back vehicle when his vehicle was intercepted by the armed group mid-journey. The group subsequently conducted an inspection of the driver and the passengers.

Following the inspection, the passengers were ordered to return to Wamena, while Aris was detained and taken by the group towards Lake Habema.

Search teams later discovered a burnt vehicle along with the body of Aris.

He stated that the authorities will pursue the armed group suspected of involvement and strengthen security in the region.

“The TNI Habema Operations Command will continue its efforts to handle the involved armed groups, including conducting pursuits and supporting the law enforcement process in accordance with applicable regulations, in order to prevent further casualties and provide a sense of security to the community,” he said.