TNI Commander Highlights Need for Multifaceted Approach to Papua Issues

Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that resolving issues in Papua cannot solely rely on the TNI. According to him, collaboration between the TNI, regional governments, and relevant ministries is essential. Subiyanto made these remarks in response to a series of recent incidents involving alleged shootings of civilians by members of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-OPM). He noted that the TNI has already deployed numerous units in Papua. However, he also pointed out that Papua's vast and mountainous geography presents significant challenges in handling the situation. "We have deployed units in Papua. Papua is indeed a very vast territory, a very large area, consisting of extreme mountainous regions. And to resolve Papua, I believe it requires collaboration not only from the TNI but from everyone – regional governments, ministries," Subiyanto told reporters on Sunday (20/9). He also emphasized the importance of infrastructure development to support public access and improve welfare. Subiyanto cited conditions in other regions, including his own hometown. "Even in my hometown of Batukaras, we still have bridges to build. That's why the President has initiated bridge construction to connect sub-districts and villages, so that public welfare and the economy can also run smoothly," he said. Recently, there have been several incidents of civilian attacks by alleged OPM members in Papua. On Wednesday (9/9), three employees of the Jayawijaya Regency Agriculture Office in Muliama, Papua Pegunungan, died after being shot. Then, on Tuesday (15/9), OPM members reportedly burned a driver and his car on the Wamena to Mbua route in Papua Pegunungan.