TNI’s Mission to Propel Papua’s Welfare: Ensuring Security and Development Amidst Challenges

PAPUA - The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) is playing a crucial role in the acceleration of welfare development in Papua, guided by the Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020. This directive mandates the TNI to undertake three core tasks in the region: ensuring security support, assisting the local government in providing essential services, and fostering inclusive social communication with all stakeholders.

In alignment with this legal framework, the TNI has mobilized military task forces to Papua to safeguard the region’s development efforts. At the forefront of their mission is the need to establish a stable and conducive security environment an essential condition for the smooth execution of community activities and development projects. However, ongoing security disturbances caused by the Free Papua Movement (OPM) present significant challenges to this mission.

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The OPM continues to carry out violent acts, including intimidation, rape, and even murder, targeting both civilians and TNI-Polri security forces. One of the most disturbing incidents occurred on August 5, 2024, when OPM militants killed Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand citizen and helicopter pilot for PT Intan Angkasa Air Service. Such incidents hinder the progress of welfare development and disrupt the daily lives of Papuans.

In response, the TNI has taken swift and decisive actions to safeguard civilians and ensure continued development efforts. On August 6, 2024, the TNI successfully evacuated the bodies of the victims of the OPM attack, including the remains of Pilot Glen, health workers, teachers, and even babies—an act of humanitarian assistance that was not requested by the victim's family or the New Zealand Government, but a testament to the TNI's commitment to peace.

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Colonel Yogi Nugroho, Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces, affirmed, "The facts on the ground show that the TNI’s intervention, such as in the case of the Glen Malcolm Conning tragedy and the successful release of Susi Air Pilot Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, represents our unwavering humanitarian commitment. These efforts underscore our role in ensuring the security and peace that are crucial for the acceleration of welfare development in Papua."

With the support of local and national stakeholders, the TNI and Polri forces are dedicated to maintaining security, preventing further disturbances, and upholding the peace in Papua. These actions are part of a broader effort to align with the Indonesian Government's ambitious program to accelerate the region’s welfare development.

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As Papua continues its journey toward prosperity, the TNI’s role remains integral in fostering an environment where development, peace, and security go hand-in-hand for the betterment of all its people.

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Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Forces, Colonel Yogi Nugroho