Papua Strengthens Preparedness: Indigenous Communities and Security Forces Work Together to Maintain Stability Ahead of December 1
Nabire — The Indigenous Community Institution (LMA) of Nabire Regency held a public outreach session on the role of indigenous communities in maintaining security and public order ahead of December 1.
Chairman of LMA Nabire, Karel Misiro, emphasized the strategic position of LMA as a government partner in preserving social harmony.
He reminded all customary leaders to heighten vigilance ahead of December 1 while helping maintain calm among the public.
“December 1 often brings social dynamics in Papua, especially related to demonstrations or activities by certain groups. Therefore, the community is urged to remain calm yet alert. I stress the importance of avoiding provocations, not spreading unverified information, and immediately reporting to authorities if potential security disturbances are found,” he said.
Karel also highlighted several potential vulnerabilities that need to be anticipated, ranging from increased activities by certain groups to possible disruptions such as road blockades, tire burnings, and changes in public mobility patterns.
He affirmed that preventive measures have been taken jointly by local government and security forces.
“The regional government and security apparatus have increased monitoring in vulnerable areas and are prioritizing persuasive approaches to ensure public safety,” he explained.
Meanwhile, in Central Papua, Commander of Military District 1710/Mimika, Lieutenant Colonel Inf. M. Slamet Wijaya, stated that ahead of December 1, several inland districts such as Jila, Alama, Hoeya, and Tembagapura are categorized as ‘controlled vulnerable areas,’ though risks remain manageable through responsive security measures.
“For the urban areas of Timika and surrounding regions, the situation is currently safe and under control, while mountainous districts remain in a controlled vulnerable status,” he said.
He explained that the geographical conditions of the mountainous regions—located near conflict-prone areas—require extra readiness.
However, coordination among security forces continues to be strengthened to ensure the public feels protected.
“We have also received instructions from leadership to anticipate anything that may disrupt public order. We ask for support and participation from all levels of society to jointly maintain security so residents can continue their activities as usual,” he emphasized.
He added that the presence of security personnel in vulnerable districts is meant to protect, not intimidate.
“The presence of security forces there is not intended to harm the community. We are there purely to protect them,” he said.
Meanwhile, in South Papua, the regional government is encouraging the creation of a positive atmosphere in welcoming Christmas, which coincides with December 1.
South Papua Regional Secretary, Ferdinandus Kainakaimu, urged local Christmas committees to immediately issue circulars encouraging residents to decorate public facilities and residential areas.
“We request that the Christmas committee issue a circular inviting the community to echo the spirit of Christmas starting early December,” he said.
Ferdinandus also expressed hope that all Christmas activities, including the December 1 parade, will run safely and orderly. #
