Jokowi Asks TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono To Face KKB In Papua

President Joko Widodo inaugurated TNI Admiral Yudo Margono as TNI Commander at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (19/12/2022). (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reminded Admiral Yudo Margono as the newly appointed TNI Commander to face armed criminal groups (KKB) in Papua. Moreover, they often create security problems. "Indeed, it must be firm. Because if we are not firm there, the KKB always acts like that, yes, the problem will not be resolved," Jokowi told reporters after the inauguration of the TNI Commander at the State Palace in Jakarta, Monday, December 19. Meanwhile, when asked about the humanist approach in Papua, Jokowi said, this step was indeed good. Likewise with efforts to reduce TNI soldiers in Bumi Cenderawasih. However, the former Governor of DKI Jakarta wants firmness to be maintained in Papua. "I think the humanist approach is good. The reduction in TNI soldiers is also good," he said. Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said he would sit down with the TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono to discuss handling security in Papua. One of the discussions was related to armed criminal groups (KKB). "We will discuss it with the TNI Commander to continue his steps and the policies of Mr. Andika and the National Police Chief," Mahfud told reporters, Monday, December 19. This coordination will later be carried out at the Vice President's office. He said this step was in accordance with the Presidential Instruction and Law Number 2 of 2021. "Later, the coordination will be under the vice president," said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK). As previously reported, President Jokowi inaugurated Admiral Yudo Margono as inaugurated today, Monday, December 19. He was sworn in to replace General Andika Perkasa who entered retirement this December. The inauguration was held at the State Palace, Jakarta and was attended by a number of invited guests. Among them, the 5th President of the Republic of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri, the Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives Puan Maharani, and the Chief of Staff of the TNI. Also present was the National Police Chief General Listyo Sigit Prabowo at the inauguration. This activity begins by singing the anthem Indonesia Raya. Furthermore, it was read out by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Number 91 TNI of 2022 concerning the Dismissal and Appointment of the TNI Commander. "Decided to honorably dismiss General TNI Andika Perkasa from his position as TNI Commander," said the Presidential Decree read by the Presidential Military Secretary Laksda Hersan on YouTube. "To appoint Admiral Yudo Margono as TNI Commander," he continued.