Ministry Of Defense Proposes Special Budget For Handling Papua To Buy Helicopters And Sensors

Acting Secretary General of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense Donny Ermawan Taufanto provided briefing to more than 1,000 officers at the Vocational Joint Activity Program (PKB).

JAKARTA - The Ministry of Defense (Kemhan) has proposed a special budget allocation for handling Papua, which is intended to buy several main weapons systems such as helicopters, planes, and sensors.

Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense Donny Ermawan Taufanto, explained that these tools were needed by TNI soldiers and Polri personnel, among others, to help them map the terrain while in charge of crushing the OPM separatist group in Papua.

"We are very concerned about this. We have submitted some to the government to prepare an additional budget specifically for handling Papua, but until now the special budget has not gone down," Donny said as quoted by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 8.

He continued that the existence of technological assistance, such as sensors, could help the task of TNI and Polri soldiers to crush OPM in their areas often operating, which are generally hilly areas, mountains, and forests.

Our soldiers and the police in terms of field recognition are not as good as OPM. They know the terrain, they are physically good. I think we can overcome these shortcomings by using technology. We will provide additional helicopters, planes, etc., and equipment for sensors to detect or commit acts of violence against the OPM," said Plt. Secretary General of the Ministry of Defense.

He hopes that there will be an allocation for the Papua budget so that the implementation of the tasks of the TNI and Polri in the areas where the OPM operates becomes more effective and optimal.

However, apart from the security approach, Donny said that the Indonesian government is also seeking other approaches, such as improving welfare and the economy, as well as infrastructure development such as roads.

"So basically all the ways we do it. That is, our welfare is realized in Papua, but our security approach is also done," he said.