Nabire, Jubi – In an effort to alleviate the fear among the residents following the armed conflict escalation in Intan Jaya, the Acting Regent of Intan Jaya, Apolos Bagau, took a walk around Sugapa, the capital of Intan Jaya Regency on Friday (26/1/2024). Bagau also visited civilians taking refuge in Catholic churches and government offices in Sugapa.
Bagau was accompanied by the Head of the Regional Disaster Management Agency, the Head of the Population and Civil Registration Office, the Head of the Tourism and Culture Office, the Head of Sugapa District, the Parish Priest of Bilogai Catholic Church, Protestant religious figures, the Chief of Intan Jaya Police, and a representative of the military.
Bagau and the entourage walked from Bilogai Pastorate to Tigamajigi, Yokatapa, the intersection near the Regent’s Office, and back to the pastorate.
“[I walked] to dispel the fear of the community and traders in Sugapa after the gunfire exchange between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police and the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) from January 19 to 23, 2024,” said Bagau.
Bagau stated that the casual walk was aimed at reassuring residents to resume their activities. “So that the community and traders can carry on with their usual activities,” he remarked.
He conveyed to the community that the recent armed conflict was rooted in the rejection of the construction of a statue of Jesus Christ in Bilogai and opposition to the mining plan in Wabu Block in Intan Jaya.
“The government will invite all parties to attend and participate in a meeting at the Regent’s Office on January 27, 2024. Any other matters related to today’s situation or other issues that the government needs to know, please communicate. We hope that all parties can attend the mentioned meeting,” he added. (*)
