Including 31 Soldiers Who Survived The Shooting Baku With KKB, Troop Rotation In Papua Still Prepared

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono (left) witnessed a number of TNI AD personnel shouting Yel-Yel/ANTARA

JAKARTA - Head of the Information Center (Kapuspen) of the TNI Rear Admiral (Laksda) Julius Widjojono said that the rotation of troops in Papua, which had served for approximately one year, was still being prepared. The rotation-affected troops included 31 soldiers on duty in Mugi-mam, Nduga Regency, Papua, who survived a shootout with an armed criminal group (KKB) on April 16. "Thirty one person has almost entered one year of assignment. The replacement has been prepared. Furthermore, (they) will be withdrawn along with other personnel who enter (the assignment period) one year," said Julius when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta, Wednesday, April 26. However, Julius has not been able to say when the rotation will take place because the new team to be sent to Papua is still being prepared. "We are waiting for the readiness of the new team, because it is still preparing," he added. Previously, while in Timika, Papua, some time ago, TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono said there would be a rotation of troops on Earth of Cenderawasih, especially for soldiers who had served for approximately one year. Yudo emphasized that there were no additional troops and main equipment for the weapon system (alutsista) in Papua after the shootout incident between the TNI and KKB in Mugi-mam, Nduga Regency. "There are no additional troops, there is rotation, including this troop for almost a year on duty. Of course, we will withdraw this and rotate it with new troops," said Yudo at Yohanis Kapiyau Air Base, Timika, Papua, Tuesday (18/4). At the same location, Yudo said the rotation was also a form of refreshment and increased the spirit of soldiers. "Of course, troops who have been on duty for a long time may have their morale down, so we will replace it with a new one," he added. Regarding defense equipment, he also emphasized that there were no additional heavy equipment and weapons. The defense equipment used for operations in Papua is currently a helicopter to transport logistics and medical evacuation in areas where land transportation is quite heavy. "We did not add defense equipment, defense equipment for transportation," said Yudo. Meanwhile, military observer at the Institute for Security & Strategic Studies (ISSES) Khairul Fahmi assessed that Yudo Margono's policy of rotating troops on duty in Papua was the right step. The ISSES Executive Director explained that troop rotation could minimize the potential for carelessness and negligence due to the decline in vigilance if the service period was too long. "Yesterday's concern was that there were no additional troops, only to replace the troops, I agree, because this replacement is more important," said Khairul Fahmi. According to him, the average task force assigned to the units stationed in Papua, including the Infantry Battalion (Yonif) Task Force Raider 321/Galul Taruna, for almost a year is still too long. "In my opinion, it takes too long. It must be shorter so that they remain vigilant, minimize the potential for carelessness because they are not alert, because they feel they are familiar with the terrain, understand the situation; so there is a tendency to be negligent," he explained. He considered the ideal term of service to be for six months.

"I think six months, (then) replaced. So, they remain in good moral and psychological condition. They depart in prime condition, also go home in excellent condition," said Khairul Fahmi.