Nemangkawi Operations Task Force Extended By 6 Months Per June 1

Ilaga residents came to the local church building to carry out Sunday worship (9/5/2021). (ANTARA/HO-Humas Nemangkawi Task Force)

JAKARTA - The National Police of the Republic of Indonesia has extended the term of the Nemangkawi Operations Task Force for the next six months without any changes in the duties or the number of personnel involved.

"The Nemangkawi Task Force (Satgas) has been extended for another six months starting June 1, 2021," said Assistant Operations (Asops) of the National Police Chief Inspector General Pol Imam Sugianto in a statement in Jakarta, Wednesday.

Imam said the labeling of terrorism on the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) did not affect the pursuit strategy by the Nemangkawi Task Force.

Furthermore, he said, until now the Nemangkawi Task Force is still under the control of the leadership of the Papua Police Chief and the Cendrawasih Regional Military Commander.

"Meanwhile there is none. Only the Kodal (command and control) has been transferred to the Papuan Police Chief and the Papuan Regional Military Commander," said Imam.

Imam added that no additional personnel was carried out, the current number of personnel is still considered sufficient to catch KKB members who are divided into seven groups with different leaders.

"There is no additional personnel," said Imam.

Previously, the National Police Chief General Pol Listyo Sigit Prabowo gave directions to the Nemangkawi Operations Task Force to always show love and protect the Papua region in synergy.

"The whole nation loves Papua, so that area needs to be protected. Always be solid and always synergize to keep our beloved region at the eastern end of Indonesia. And, make sure that we all love Papua," he said in a written statement from the Nemangkawi Task Force in Jayapura, Papua, last Tuesday (13/4).

He explained that anyone who interferes with the security and social security situation in Papua Province will be dealt with firmly by law enforcement officials.

He believes the Nemangkawi Operations Task Force will be able to convince the Papuan people that they are loved by the entire nation.

"Convince the community that the soft approach will continue to be carried out. Even if it interferes with the security and social order, then endangers lives, then take legal action in a measured and firm manner. And I believe that my colleagues are able to provide understanding to all Papuan people that we all love Papua," said Sigit.