Timika, Papua (ANTARA) - Papua Police Chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D. Fakhiri was vociferous in asserting that his personnel would not step back even an inch to crack down on armed Papuan criminals operating in Intan Jaya District.
"The presence of military and police personnel in Intan Jaya is aimed at ensuring that law enforcement is optimal against those committing acts of violence there," he affirmed.
To this end, Fakhiri has instructed all cops joining the Nemangkawi task force and units in areas, with high degree of security risks, to act bravely in responding to the criminals' acts of terror.
However, in cracking down on the perpetrators, the on-duty police officers should do their duties in an accountable manner to avoid risks that may harm innocent civilians, he emphasized.
The situation in Intan Jaya has shown improvement, and the district government is required to work closely with security personnel to restore security and public order there.
By restoring and maintaining the district's security and public order, public services for local communities could fully resume, he affirmed.
"Hence, we are optimistic of a solid collaboration between those from the military and police and their counterparts from the Intan Jaya district administration," he stated.
The Papua provincial administration is making efforts to restore normalcy in Intan Jaya that has borne witness to a spate of violence against civilians and security personnel in the past two years.
Intan Jaya recorded its bloodiest month in September, 2020, with notorious armed groups launching a series of attacks in the area that claimed the lives of two soldiers and two civilians and left two others injured. These notorious armed Papuan groups have continued their acts of terror during the new year.
On January 6, 2021, some 10 armed Papuans vandalized and torched a Quest Kodiak aircraft belonging to the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) at the Pagamba Village airstrip.
The armed groups often employ hit-and-run tactics against Indonesian security personnel, while they unleash acts of terror against civilians to instill a sense of fear among the people.
On February 8, 2021, an armed rebel reportedly shot a 32-year-old man at close range in Bilogai Village, Sugapa Sub-district.
The victim, identified by his initials as RNR, sustained gunshot wounds on the face and right shoulder and was taken to the Timika Public Hospital in Mimika District on February 9.
On February 9, 2021, six armed Papuans fatally stabbed a motorcycle taxi (ojek) driver.
The government has launched emergency response measures To address the impact of the most recent instances of armed conflict, which have compelled around 600 locals to flee their homes.
To this end, Indonesia's Social Affairs Ministry recently supplied aid packages to those taking refuge.
The aid packages comprised 660 packaged food boxes, 420 child food packs, 100 folding tents, 200 folding mattresses, and 300 blankets.
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