Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Air Force deployed Hercules aircraft to evacuate 9,078 refugees from Wamena, Jayawijaya District, after the riots erupted in the district.
"The Indonesian Air Force Headquarter (in Papua) is currently deploying three aircraft for evacuation," Commander of the Silas Papare Military Air Base First Marshal TNI Tri Bowo Budi stated here on Friday.
Budi confirmed the deployment of some three Hercules aircraft to Wamena, one of which was for carrying humanitarian aid from other areas, such as Biak.
In the meantime, two other aircraft were deployed to transport the refugees from Jayapura to Wamena and vice versa.
Budi also noted that some 373 refugees were transported to their hometowns in Sulawesi and Java.
Speaking in connection with other refugees, Budi noted that some had sought refuge in local military headquarters, mosques, and churches, while others had opted to temporarily stay at the houses of their families and community leaders.
"Refugee shelters are also spread up to Jayapura City, which is some 40 kilometers from Sentani," he noted.
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Reporter: Evarukdijati, Yuni Arisandy Si
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
