Deputy Interior Minister Expresses Condolences Over 3 ASN Deaths in Papua

The Deputy Interior Minister of Indonesia, Ribka Haluk, has conveyed her deep condolences following the deaths of three civil servants (ASN) who were shot by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua Pegunungan. Ribka Haluk expressed her condolences while leading an ASN Awareness Assembly in Kupang, Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT), on Monday (21/9). "I express my deepest condolences regarding the shooting of three ASNs in Papua Pegunungan," she stated in her address. During the event, Ribka highlighted the long-standing good relations between the people of NTT and Papua. She urged all ASNs in NTT to continue fostering the unity and togetherness that has been established. "Since long ago, many NTT residents have become part of the life history of the people in Papua," she said. Ribka added that the people of Papua are grateful for the many NTT residents who have served as teachers there. Furthermore, she appreciated the economic growth of NTT Province, which reached 5.01 percent despite geographical and topographical challenges, and the provincial government's efforts to control inflation. Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, echoed similar sentiments, calling on the people of NTT and Papua to maintain unity and harmony. While acknowledging the sadness over the incident in Jayawijaya, Papua Pegunungan, he expressed hope that it would not disrupt the relationship between the communities of the two regions. "We must maintain the harmonious relationship between the communities of the two regions because we have shared an emotional closeness for a long time," the governor stated. He also entrusted the safety of NTT residents currently in Papua to the Deputy Interior Minister and the Papua regional governments. Previously, three civil servants (ASN) from Jayawijaya Regency were killed by the KKB on Wednesday (9/9). The incident occurred in the Muliama area, Papua Pegunungan, around 3:53 PM WIT. The victims were identified as Aprida Rapi (49), Head of the Livestock Division at the Jayawijaya Agriculture Office; Alfonsius Albinus Mehan, a veterinarian at the Jayawijaya Health Office; and Willi Mbuik (24), a prospective civil servant. According to reports, Willi sustained a gunshot wound to his right waist and died at the Wamena Regional General Hospital after receiving medical treatment. Aprida suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and died at the scene. Alfonsius sustained gunshot wounds to the back of his head and his left hand, also dying at the scene. Source: CNN Indonesia