KKB Condemns The Shooting Of PTT Officers In Papua, Deputy V KSP: Firmly, Completely And Proportionally Enforce The Law

Deputy V Chief of Presidential Staff, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The attack allegedly carried out by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) against officers of PT Palapa Ring Timur Telematika (PTT) has been condemned by Deputy V of the Presidential Staff Office, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani.

"All victims are carrying out their duties to facilitate access to public communication and in fact support the welfare of the community through increasing access to communication and connectivity so as to facilitate education, health and economic activities for residents," said Jaleswari Pramodhawardani in a written statement quoted by Antara, Sunday, March 6.

Jaleswari also conveyed her deep condolences to the families of the PTT officers who were victims. According to him, the officers have actually fought for the unity and integrity of our nation by maintaining the connectivity network.

"I ask the relevant officials to enforce the law firmly, thoroughly and proportionally for these crimes," said Jaleswari.

In 2021, Jaleswari said the government had planned to build 4,200 units of Base Transceiver Station (BTS) infrastructure in Papua and West Papua.

More than 60 percent of the points that have been built are in Papua and West Papua with the aim that the people of Papua and West Papua can enjoy the 4G telecommunications network.

"Connectivity is one of the important pillars in building prosperity in the Land of Papua, this crime is detrimental to all parties," added Jaleswari.

The Government's commitment to infrastructure development in the 3T (Outermost, Disadvantaged, Frontier) areas is contained in the Government's 2022 Work Plan which states that broadband infrastructure development in 2022 includes a network in 8,226 villages in the 3T region.

"Furthermore, the central and regional governments as well as all elements of the apparatus will continue to work together and cooperate with traditional leaders and the people of Papua to provide maximum protection for all community members in Papua," said Jalaeswari.

The shooting incident was only discovered by the Papuan Police on Thursday, March 3, after CCTV footage showing Nelson Sarira screaming for help was monitored by the PTT central monitor in Jakarta.

On Wednesday, March 2, at around 03.00 WIT, it was discovered that the camp for the employees of PTT Tower B3 Kampung Jenggeran, Beoga District, Puncak Regency, Papua Province, was visited by about 10 KKB members.

The KKB gang immediately entered the camp with sharp tools, such as machetes, axes, and even carrying firearms and killed eight PTT employees who were fast asleep, namely Bona Simanulang, Renal Pastia Tagasye, Bili Galdi Balion, Jamaludin, Sharil Nurdiansyah, Eko Septiansyah, Bebei Tabuni and Ibo.

One survivor, Nelson Sarira, was successfully evacuated to Timika on Saturday 5 March afternoon by the Cartenz Peace Operation Team.