Indonesian Military’s Vital Role in Accelerating Welfare Development in Papua Amid Security Challenges

PAPUA - In line with Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2020, the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) are committed to supporting the acceleration of welfare development in Papua. This directive tasks the TNI with ensuring security, aiding the regional government in providing essential services, and engaging in inclusive social communication with key stakeholders in Papua.

The TNI has deployed military task forces to the region, emphasizing that a stable and secure environment is crucial for fostering development. This effort is particularly important due to ongoing security disruptions caused by the Free Papua Movement (OPM), which continues to undermine progress with acts of violence and intimidation against both civilians and security personnel.

One of the most recent and severe incidents involved the killing of Glen Malcolm Conning, a New Zealand helicopter pilot, on August 5, 2024. This tragic event is part of a larger pattern of violence perpetrated by the OPM, which has also included the harassment of healthcare workers, educators, and unarmed civilians. Despite these challenges, the TNI remains unwavering in its humanitarian mission.

“The TNI successfully secured the area of Alama, evacuating the bodies of Pilot Glen, healthcare workers, teachers, and even infants. This was a purely humanitarian effort, carried out without any formal request from the victims’ families or the New Zealand government, ” said Colonel Yogi Nugroho, Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Force. He also highlighted the TNI's key role in the successful rescue of Susi Air pilot Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens on September 21, 2024, further demonstrating the military’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region.

Colonel Yogi affirmed that the TNI, in collaboration with the National Police (Polri), continues its operations to ensure that Papua remains safe and conducive for development. “Our mission is clear: to safeguard the region and support the government’s broader efforts to accelerate welfare development in Papua, ” he stated.

This ongoing security mission plays a crucial role in enabling all stakeholders-government, local communities, and private sectors-to work together toward a peaceful and prosperous Papua. 

Authenticated by:

Commander of the HABEMA Media Task Force,   

Colonel Yogi Nugroho