Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) – Six members and supporters of armed criminal groups in Intan Jaya and Puncak Districts, Central Papua Province, have pledged allegiance to Indonesia, following military-led outreach efforts, authorities said.
Lieutenant Colonel Wirya Artadiguna, information chief of the Habema Joint Operations Command task force, said the six returned after soldiers conducted humanitarian outreach and territorial development programs in the two districts.
The six were Erison Murib, also known as Buton Murib, 22, a member of the Kodap XXXIV/Beoga armed group, and five supporters of the Kodap VIII/Intan Jaya group identified by their initials as JJ, PB, RS, NS, and MS.
“They pledged allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia by kissing the Red-and-White flag,” Wirya said in a statement issued in Jayapura, the capital of Papua Province, on Thursday.
He said the pledge ceremonies were held at two separate locations. The five supporters made their pledge on Sunday, September 6, in Sugapa, the capital of Intan Jaya District, accompanied by personnel from the 744/SYB Infantry Task Force.
Erison, a member of the Kodap XXXIV/Beoga armed group, also known as the Free Papua Movement (OPM), led by Arodi Kulla, pledged allegiance on Monday, September 7, at the field of the 1717-03/Beoga Military District Command in Puncak District.
Wirya said he hoped the return of the six armed-group members and supporters would encourage others to follow suit, helping end the armed conflict and establish lasting peace in Papua.
According to reports received by the task force, Erison had served as a logistics supplier for the armed group and was allegedly involved in the 2019 Julukoma unrest.
After pledging allegiance to Indonesia, Erison said he hoped to continue his education at a Bible school.
“With more supporters and members returning, we hope more will become aware and join efforts to develop Papua,” Wirya said.
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Translator: Evarukdijati, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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