Golkar Faction DPR Member Says TNI Needs Additional 3,000 Personnel In Papua
JAKARTA - Member of Commission I DPR RI Bobby Adhityo Rizaldi views that the number of TNI personnel in dealing with conflicts in Papua such as attacks by armed criminal groups (KKB) is still lacking. At least, he said, the government needed to add an additional 3,000 personnel.
"Why are there still so many attacks there (Papua), because indeed the presence of the TNI in formation there is still less than 3,000 there. The security posture in Papua is still very lacking, it must be added," Bobby said in a virtual discussion broadcast on YouTube medcom id , Sunday, November 28.
Bobby revealed, there is an ideal calculation in the placement of strategic posts for TNI personnel in Papua. He said, every 5 kilometers a post must be placed. Because, Papua is an area that is still thick with natural vegetation.
"They are not yet connected, the natural vegetation area is still the dominant factor, not the armed capabilities of the KKB's arsenal. So, a more even regional defense system is needed," said the Golkar politician.
Although the government has placed other officers such as the National Police Task Force in Papua, Bobby sees that the TNI has a better understanding of handling KKB attacks in Papua, which has more difficult terrain than other areas.
"In an effort to counter terrorists, military capabilities are needed. Why? Because the police are not used to natural vegetation such as forest warfare. No police are trained in forest warfare. That's the TNI," he said.
Moreover, according to him, the need for additional TNI personnel is not only aimed at dealing with KKB attacks, but is also intended to develop the territorial function of TNI organizations in Papua.
"Papua is getting more strategic, where its territorial functions are like in Java, Sumatra, there is also the development of the TNI organization there. So, the koramil must also be expanded because there are more and more people there. So, this is for territorial needs," he explained.