TNI’s Commitment to Accelerating Welfare Development in Papua Amid Security Challenges

PAPUA - The Presidential Instruction of the Republic of Indonesia Number 9 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua serves as the cornerstone for the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) operations in the region. This directive outlines three key missions for the TNI in Papua: ensuring security, supporting local governments in providing essential community services, and fostering inclusive social communication with stakeholders.

Under this mandate, the TNI has deployed military task forces to Papua with the primary aim of creating a secure and stable environment to facilitate welfare development. A conducive security situation is crucial for enabling stakeholders and local communities to actively participate in development activities. However, this mission faces significant challenges due to the ongoing disturbances caused by the Free Papua Movement Organization (OPM). These disturbances, marked by violence, intimidation, and even acts of terrorism, pose serious obstacles to achieving development goals in the region.

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OPM’s security disruptions have included heinous crimes such as intimidation, rape, and the murder of both unarmed civilians and security personnel. One tragic incident occurred on Monday, August 5, 2024, when Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand helicopter pilot working for PT Intan Angkasa Air Service, was murdered by OPM. In response, TNI forces undertook a swift humanitarian mission, securing Alama and evacuating the bodies of Glen, healthcare workers, teachers, and even infants. “This operation was not prompted by requests from the victim’s family or the New Zealand Government but was purely a form of humanitarian action, ” stated Colonel Yogi Nugroho, Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces.

A similar demonstration of TNI's commitment was seen in the successful rescue of Captain Pilot Phillip Mark Mehrtens, a Susi Air pilot who had been held hostage. This operation, completed on September 21, 2024, underscored TNI’s dedication to ensuring safety and peace in Papua, achieved through close collaboration with stakeholders.

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Colonel Yogi emphasized, “The TNI and Polri Security Forces are steadfast in their efforts to maintain safety and stability in Papua, ensuring it remains free from OPM-induced disturbances. These tasks represent our unwavering support for the Indonesian Government's program to accelerate welfare development in Papua.”

Despite the challenges, the TNI remains resolute in its mission to secure a brighter future for Papua, where development and prosperity can thrive in peace and harmony.

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Authentication:
Dansatgas Media HABEMA, Colonel Arh Yogi Nugroho