Jakarta, Jubi – Indonesian Military (TNI) commander Gen. Andika Perkasa instructed his staff on Sunday, January 2, 2022 that the priority of the work of the TNI Headquarters Task Force in Papua and West Papua provinces was to prioritize social communication with the local community.
Andika said social communication was part of the TNI’s territorial development task, which aimed to improve the relationship between the TNI and various community groups so that mutual understanding and friendship would grow to maintain the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia.
According to Andika, the Army carries out territorial guidance referring to aspects of geography, population, and social communication. Meanwhile, the main task of the Air Force is to develop aerospace potential and social communication, and the Navy is to develop maritime potential and social communication.
Not only changing the focus of work, Andika also merged and added task force personnel, moved posts, and added facilities needed by the task force.
“I have the responsibility to prepare in advance the new military posts, realistically speaking. And even though we have chosen the new place, I still have to equip it with vital items so that the soldiers can carry out their tasks and function professionally,” said Andika.
This, however, contradicts the wishes of Papuan civil society and NGOs, who have long asked the TNI to stop building military posts and sending troops. According to the people, the TNI should immediately withdraw its troops and stop armed violence in Papua. (*)
Editor: Edi Faisol
