The Military Commander Said That The Village In Nduga, Central Papua, Was Empty, Left Behind By Its Residents To Evacuate

Illustration of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Papua. (Ist)

CENTRAL PAPUA - Pangdam XVII/Cenderawasih Major General Izak Pangemanan revealed that a number of villages or districts in Nduga Regency, Central Papua Province, are currently empty of residents.

According to him, residents in Nduga fled for fear of interference from armed criminal groups (KKB).

"Residents were afraid because of the KKB disturbance in their village until they fled to Kenyam, the capital of Nduga Regency; to Timika, Mimika Regency; and Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency," said the Pangdam in Jayapura, Papua, Friday, January 26, confiscated by Antara.

From the reports he received, continued the Pangdam, the vacant village or district left by their residents were displaced, including Mapenduma Village, Paro, Yal, Dal and Mugi.

The existence of the displaced residents has been recorded so that during the election voting they can still channel their voting rights at polling stations at their evacuation sites.

Currently, the area is relatively safe, but soldiers are still asked to be vigilant and alert.

"Citizens in carrying out their duties must always be alert and vigilant and must not be careless," said the Pangdam.

Regarding the efforts to release the New Zealandese hostage, which is still being handled by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya, the Pangdam said that the release efforts were still ongoing.

"Exemption efforts are still being carried out by prioritizing the Nduga Regional Government and hoping to be released soon. Moreover, on February 7 it will be exactly a year, Phillip Mehrtens, who works as a pilot for Susi Air, is being held hostage," he said.