6 Conflict-Prone Areas In Papua, Police Urge Residents Not To Pray Eid In The Field

Papua Police Chief Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri. (ANTARA)

JAYAPURA - Papua Regional Police Chief Inspector General of Police Mathius Fakhiri has issued an appeal to Muslim communities living in conflict-prone areas not to hold Eid Al-Fitr 1444 Hijri prayers in open fields.

"Through the police chiefs who work in vulnerable areas, they have been advised to carry out Eid prayers in mosques or closed rooms," said the Kapolda in Jayapura, Tuesday, April 18.

According to Fakhiri, this appeal was issued to prevent security disturbances when Muslims carry out Eid prayers.

The Regional Police Chief said that areas that are categorized as vulnerable to security include Puncak Jaya, Puncak, Nduga, Intan Jaya, Yahukimo, and the Bintang Mountains.

"In that area, there are indeed several armed groups that often disturb the community and security forces," he said.

The Kapolda added that the security forces of the TNI and Polri had made every effort to secure the area, including securing Tarawih prayers.

For security before and after Eid al-Fitr 2023, added the Kapolda, Operation Ketupat Cartenz has been held which involves 2,665 personnel, including elements of the TNI and other members.

"Hopefully the implementation of Eid prayers in Papua will be safe without interruption," he added.