Papua Civil Servants' Security to be Strengthened, Home Affairs Minister Orders Security Forces

Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian has called for enhanced security measures for civil servants (ASN) operating in Papua, particularly in Jayawijaya, to be implemented by security forces. This directive comes in response to the killing of three ASN, originally from East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), by armed groups (KKB) in the province. Addressing claims that the slain civil servants were intelligence operatives, Minister Tito stated that this is a common tactic used by armed groups to justify their violent actions. "Usually, groups that commit shootings and violence claim they were intelligence operatives. In reality, they are just trying to cause disruption," he said. The minister analyzed that these attacks aim to instill fear within the community and disrupt residents' activities. "Their goal is to spread fear and violence in society," he explained. Minister Tito expressed his hope that the National Police (Polri), the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and intelligence agencies would maintain a stable security situation, monitor the movements of armed groups, and take measures to neutralize threats. "I hope our colleagues in the security apparatus can maintain a more conducive situation, monitor the movements of these groups, and neutralize them," he stated. The minister opined that a stable security situation is essential for the community, including civil servants, to carry out their daily activities without fear. "If there are no attacks, people will certainly feel more at ease to be active," he added.