Towards the end of 2023, security forces (apkam) are starting to develop plans and strategies to ensure the security of the Papua region from the actions of the Papuan KST which are increasingly disturbing residents. On certain dates towards the end of the year, security escalations often occur in the Papua region caused by KST Papua actions. Various efforts were made, such as increasing the number of Apkam personnel and thwarting every KSTP action.
Violence by KST is still occurring, including targeting security forces. Most recently, KST attacked TNI members who were on duty to protect the community on Thursday (30/11) in Paro District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains. According to the Head of Information for Kostrad Colonel (Inf) Hendhi Yustian, this incident resulted in two TNI personnel from the 411/Pandawa Mechanized Raider Battalion of the TNI AD Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) being shot dead. Meanwhile, four Pandawa Kostrad soldiers died after a firefight with KST in Paro District, Nduga, Saturday (25/11).
The violent actions carried out by KST certainly brought concerns to a number of parties, especially towards the end of the year. However, security forces continue to strive to increase protection for the community. As carried out by the Cartenz Peace Operations Task Force which brought 110 Central Sulawesi (Central Sulawesi) Police Mobile Brigade personnel to Papua. This is done to provide a sense of security to the community. Moreover, not long ago, KST led by Egianus Kogoya, through video broadcasts, often threatened and provoked the public not to believe in Apkam.
Head of Central Sulawesi Regional Police (Kapolda), Inspector General Pol. Agus Nugroho said that as many as 110 Brimob personnel from the Central Sulawesi Regional Police were assigned to the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation under Operational Control (BKO) of the Papua Regional Police. The personnel on duty, together with two supervisors and two trainers, will first take part in pre-operational training (Latpraops) in Cikeas, for one month, which will work in synergy with the TNI and then carry out their duties in Papua for around one year.
Latpraops is carried out in order to prepare National Police personnel to have understanding, knowledge, and know the main objectives and functions (tupoksi) of each in operations. It is hoped that they can understand the rules and procedures during operations so that they can run well, be efficient and successful while carrying out their duties. To always maintain yourself and be together while serving in Papua.
All personnel serving in Papua are asked to follow and carry out orders to always maintain personal safety and security, maintain the honor and dignity of the National Police, as well as commitment and integrity to always serve the nation and state.
Agus advised his members to maintain communication with the families left behind and asked personnel to maintain good relations with the community and stakeholders in Papua. By prioritizing 5S (Smile, Greet, Regards, Polite and Courteous) when socializing with the public.
Regarding security improvements implemented by security forces from around the Papua region, namely thwarting the alleged smuggling of three firearms and dozens of rounds of ammunition to Papua. The firearms and ammunition are planned to be sold to the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in Papua.
This attempt to smuggle firearms and ammunition was thwarted when the police checked the luggage of prospective passengers who were going to sail by ship from Ambon Harbor to Papua.
Ambon Island and Lease Island Police Chief Commissioner Adryano Andri Ibrahim said that Ambon KPYS Police officers who were on guard together with our colleagues from the TNI and KSOP officers managed to arrest a person who was found carrying homemade firearms and ammunition.
Apart from that, the 411/Pandawa Mechanized Raider Battalion Task Force thwarted an attempt to smuggle weapons which were thought to be sent to KST in Nduga, Papua Mountains. Captain Kogabwilhan III Col Czi Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa said two long-barreled weapons, the M4 and AR 15 types, were confiscated, including an air rifle, solar cell and other logistics. This weapon is very dangerous because it is a new generation assault weapon, which will be used by KSTP to cause chaos in Kenyam, Nduga.
KST Papua always tries to cause chaos and acts of terror against the people of Papua so that the firm action taken by the security forces against KSTP is the right step. This needs to be taken by the security forces to protect the security and safety of the Papuan people and maintain the integrity of the state. This was done to prevent unwanted situations from occurring in the Regional Police area and to minimize casualties.
Moreover, on certain dates towards the end of the year, security escalations often occur in the Papua region caused by the activities of these terrorist groups. The escalation in the Papua region occurred because in December there were several warning events.
The government continues to make efforts and instruct all levels in the Papua and West Papua regions to increase awareness and cooperate with local governments and religious leaders. With collaboration from all parties, it is hoped that KST can be suppressed quickly.