Jayapura, Jubi – The armed group known as the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) reportedly damaged a major road connecting Sugapa District to Hitadipa District in Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province, on Sunday (4/2/2024).
This was stated by the Acting Deputy Head of Information of the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lt. Col. Inf Candra Kurniawan, in a written press release on Monday (5/2/2024).
“We received information that the TPNPB intentionally disrupted access to the trans road by excavating an approximately 1.5-meter wide and 2-meter deep trench on Mbomogo Village,” said Candra.
Candra said the road damage hindered access and disrupted the daily activities of the local community. He stated that the central government and local governments are committed to developing Papua in various sectors, including infrastructure, which is claimed to be well-received among the Papuans.
“This is evident from the high participation of the Papuan community in development, which shows that the Papuan people aspire to live in a more advanced and prosperous society,” said Candra.
The escalation of armed conflict in Intan Jaya Regency has been ongoing since the exchange of fire between the TPNPB and joint Indonesia Military (TNI) and police forces on January 19, 2024. In the shootout, a personnel member of the Cartenz Peace Operation named Second Brig. Alfandi Steve Karamoy and five others died, and two were injured. (*)
