Fear Of KKB Threats, Residents Of 10 Villages In Gome Papua Are Refuge At TNI Posts

Soldiers from the Battalion 300/Bjw Task Force helped residents from 10 villages in Gome District, Central Papua who fled for fear of the threat of KKB. (ANTARA/HO/Satgas Infantry Battalion 300/Bjw)

JAKARTA - The Chief of Staff of the Joint Defense Area Command (Kogabwilhan) III, Marsda TNI Deni Hasoloan Simanjuntak admitted that 10 villages in Gome District, Puncak Regency, Central Papua, had secured themselves to the Yonif 300/Bjw Post for fear of armed criminal groups (KKB).

"From the reports received, it was revealed that the public came and complained to the TNI Task Force 300/Bjw Post asking for protection," he said in his statement, Monday, November 13, which was confiscated by Antara.

Deni said his party placed residents at the Bethel Jenggernok Church, which is located near the Gome Post.

"The soldiers also help provide food for them," said Deni.

He said there were about 200 residents from 10 villages who were currently displaced for fear of threats of violence by the KKB.

They fled and secured themselves since Sunday 12 November.

Dansatgas 300/Bjw Lt. Col. Inf. Afri Swandi Ritonga added that the displaced residents came from Jenggernok Village, Wako, Nenggebuma (Red Land), Agiyome, Upaga, Gome, Jonggong Golawi, Kilanungin, Misimaga and Tigilobak Villages.

"On average, the displaced children, women and parents as well as community leaders from the Head of the Puncak Regency, Abelom Kogoya, the Head of Tanah Merah Village, Tius Wakerwa, and the Head of Jenggernok Village, Antonius Murib," said Afri.

Head of the Puncak Regency Sub-Department, Abelom Kogoya, admitted that they asked for protection from soldiers on duty at the Gome Post for fear of threats and disturbances from the KKB.

"We are afraid, sir, they threaten to kill us, please TNI men, we are afraid to work, afraid to farm," said Abelom.