Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih Ensures Security In Papua Is Conducive

JAYAPURA - Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih ensured that the security situation in Papua was conducive so that foreign nationals did not have to worry.

"Indeed, there are some areas, especially in mountainous areas where there are security disturbances, but they are far from the provincial capital," said Head of Information for the XVII/Cenderawasih Military Command, Lieutenant Colonel Cavalry Herman Taryaman, as reported by Antara, in Jayapura, Papua, Monday, April 25.

He stated that it was the right of all countries -- including the United States -- to protect their citizens, thus issuing a warning not to go to Papua for the time being. However, the overall security situation in Papua is conducive and community activities are going on normally.

"TNI-Polri will protect all people, including foreign nationals in Papua," said Herman.

Separately, the Head of the Jayapura Immigration Office, Rivandi Rivai, stated that there had been no reports of US foreigners coming to Jayapura. "Currently visiting are British and Canadian foreigners as well as KITAS holders and they continue to carry out their normal activities as pilots, teachers and other social workers," he said. So it's possible that they (United States citizens, from the initial airport) were not allowed to enter Papua," he said.