TNI hands evacuated villager to conflict-response team in Papua

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2 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s military said it has handed a local resident evacuated from Central Papua’s Ugimba Subdistrict to the Intan Jaya conflict-response team for continued assistance and recovery.

The handover was intended to ensure the resident received continued assistance and support, said Lt. Col. Inf. M. Wirya Arthadiguna, spokesman for the Habema Joint Operations Command.

Troops evacuated the resident while patrolling Ugimba Subdistrict in Intan Jaya District, Central Papua Province, on Sunday (Aug. 9), amid security concerns in the area, Wirya said in a statement received here Monday.

The evacuation demonstrated the military’s commitment to prioritizing civilian safety and protection while carrying out duties in conflict-affected areas, he said.

“Troops are not only present to maintain security but also provide protection, assistance and a sense of safety to people in need. Civilian safety remains our top priority,” Wirya added.

Troops found the resident in need of further assistance and far from residential areas. They conducted the evacuation while considering terrain and security conditions in Ugimba.

Two Bell helicopters evacuated the resident from 12:25 p.m. to 12:48 p.m. Eastern Indonesia Time, involving 11 personnel. The resident was then taken to Sugapa district for further assistance.

Wirya said difficult terrain, weather and security conditions would not prevent troops from providing assistance to residents.

He said the Habema Joint Operations Command sought to maintain security while providing direct benefits to communities in its areas of operation, emphasizing professionalism and humanitarian values.

Security in Ugimba has drawn attention following reports of activities by the OPM’s Kodap VIII/Kemabu group, led by Guspi Waker, which has caused public concern and attacked security personnel.

The Habema Joint Operations Command said its mission in the area was not limited to maintaining security but also ensuring residents received protection and assistance when needed.