TNI Commander Guarantees Election Security in Papua

PAPUAAROUND – Commander of the Indonesian National Army (TNI) Admiral Yudo Margono said that 2023 will be an important year in preparation for the 2024 general elections, which include the readiness of the TNI to ensure the security of all stages in Papua.

“In 2023, we can guarantee the security of Papua. So that the 2024 election can run safely there,” said Yudo after a working meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives, Thursday (2/2).

“And this we have talked about starting in 2023, we have to solve this,” he continued.

One of his messages to TNI members to maintain election security in Papua is neutrality. All commanders must apply this message in order to be exemplified by their soldiers.

“Then, especially in Papua, we emphasize to the soldiers, both those sent from outside and those who are organic soldiers in Papua, this must have something in common. Don’t let the soldiers who are assigned earlier are not the same as the regional ones, so they must have the same protap later,” said Yudo.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Polhukam Mahfud MD received a visit from the MPR leadership represented by MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo, Deputy Chairman Fadel Muhammad and Papua MPR Chairman Yorrys Raweyai.

During a visit to the Ministry of Political and Political Affairs Office, Jakarta, Tuesday, they discussed several things. Among them are short-term issues, namely the preparation of government infrastructure, the establishment of New Autonomous Regions (DOB) and preparations for the 2024 elections in the four Papua DOBs. The four Papua DOBs include South Papua, Central Papua, Mountainous Papua and Southwest Papua.

In addition, Mahfud added, long-term issues will also be discussed, namely education issues and several other issues. In the same context, Mahfud and the MPR leadership also agreed that in the next two weeks there will be a special and comprehensive meeting on the matter.