The House Of Representatives Leader Asks The National Army And The National Police To Prioritize The Safety Of Citizens From Armed Criminal Group Attacks In Papua

Illustration-TNI Kawal KKB captured (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Azis Syamsuddin highlighted the shooting of an armed criminal group (KKB) that was again carried out in Beoga, Puncak Regency, Papua.

He asked the National Army and the National Police (TNI-Polri) not to be lured by the separatist's action in their security.

"Don't get hooked. Put the safety of the citizens first, this must be done first. This is also the best way to avoid casualties", Azis told reporters on Tuesday, April 13.

The former Chairman of Commission III requested the addition of personnel at the site of the conflict in order to strengthen the troops on duty.

According to him, there are two tasks for the TNI-Polri. First, keep the citizens safe. Second, continue to emphasize the armed KKB, in law enforcement efforts against the land of the Republic of Indonesia.

In addition, Azis also assessed the need for sealing at a number of points. Including the deployment of aircraft to monitor the movement of KBB. Because he said, the goal of the KBB is the vital assets of the state and citizens.

"If this terror is successfully launched then, the situation becomes unconducive. So I conveyed at the beginning, the importance of protecting the settlements of residents, especially certain areas such as health facilities and traditional markets", explained the Golkar Party politician.

Azis revealed that since 2020, the KKB has tried to enter and interfere in the PT Freeport area. Even a number of vital transportation liaison assets are being targeted by them.

"The pattern is now changing. They intimidate the public. Threatening and not hesitate to kill, such as the events experienced by teachers in Papua", said Azis.

On the other hand, Azis appreciated the rapid response attitude of the Papuan Police who had deployed the TNI-Polri helicopters to evacuate residents from Beoga, Puncak Regency, to Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency.

"It's a proper effort. The evacuation of residents from Beoga is one of the steps to avoid violence by the KKB. The choice of Sugapa is also ideal because it is closer than to Ilaga and Timika. Thank you for the steps taken", said Azis Syamsuddin.

Earlier, there was a shootout between police and armed criminal groups (KKB) after the shooting of two teachers last week in Beoga District, Puncak Jaya District, Papua.

Papuan police said the perpetrators were allegedly armed groups led by Sabinus Waker. The Papua Police Chief stated that in a short time, they will arrange a team to crack down on the KKB in Ilaga Puncak.