Koops TNI Papua Joint Patrol Team Evacuates 21 Refugees in Aifat Timur Jauh Maybrat

Evacuation of 21 refugees in the Far East Aifat District. (Source: Dispenad)

JAKARTA - A total of 21 refugee residents were safely evacuated by the joint TNI apparatus together with the local government in Topo Village, Ainesra Village, Aifat Timur Jauh District, Maybrat Regency, West Papua Province, on Tuesday (17/3).

"This pick-up activity was carried out by TNI and Koops TNI Papua elements together with local government officials and local community leaders," said the TNI AD statement as quoted (19/3).

The joint security patrol team moved to the pick-up location in Topo Village and arrived at Ainesra Village to pick up the refugees who had been staying in the border forest between Maybrat Regency and Teluk Bintuni Regency due to security disturbances by the OPM TPNPB. In the afternoon, all refugees had gathered at the pick-up point, the Koops TNI Papua Joint Patrol team immediately carried out an evacuation to the Koops TNI Papua Tactical Command Post (Kotis).

Upon arrival at the Kotis Post, the refugees immediately underwent a health examination by the Papua TNI Koops medical team, followed by identity data collection to ensure the condition and needs of each. All series of activities took place in an orderly, safe, and smooth manner, reflecting the strong synergy between the TNI, local government, and the community in ensuring the safety of residents.

"For the time being, the refugees are being housed in a shelter in the Aifat District area, while waiting for further coordination processes related to repatriation to their home areas, especially for residents from Teluk Bintuni Regency. The local government is expected to take further steps through the fulfillment of basic needs, coaching, and cross-regional coordination to ensure that the repatriation process is safe, orderly, and dignified," explained the Head of Information Koops TNI Papua, Lt. Col. Inf Wirya.

The success of this evacuation is a tangible proof of the state's presence in providing protection to the community in vulnerable areas, as well as strengthening the joint commitment to maintaining security and humanitarian stability in South West Papua.