Overcoming Conflict In Papua, Candidates For TNI Commander Will Use Smart Power Approach

Fit and proper test for candidate for TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto/PHOTO: Nailin In Saroh-VOI

JAKARTA - Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Agus Subiyanto talked about strategies to prevent and deal with conflicts in Papua, including the KKB while undergoing a fit and proper test as a candidate for the TNI Commander in Chief at Commission I of the DPR today.

General Agus Subiyanto said he would use a smart power approach, namely a combination of soft power and hard power, adding military diplomacy.

"To overcome vertical conflicts such as problems in Papua, a smart power approach, which with a combination of hard power and soft power and military diplomacy is absolutely necessary," said General Agus in a fit and proper test at Commission I of the DPR, Monday, November 13.

General Agus explained the soft power strategy, namely by accelerating development and improving welfare in Papua. Meanwhile, hard power with legal recognition.

"Hard power through combat... (but) in the context of law enforcement. Soft power by supporting the implementation of accelerating welfare development in Papua," he explained.

This strategy, said Agus, will be carried out by the TNI in collaboration with other relevant agencies and ministries.

"Together synergize between the TNI and all relevant institutions and ministries," he added.

Then military diplomacy, Agus said the exchange of TNI personnel with countries in the region. This military diplomacy, he said, aims to build interpersonal relations between soldiers.

"As well as creating an inequality of views on approaches to problem solving in Papua," said General Agus.