TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - Major Gen. Christian Zebua, Commander of the Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, is preparing to counter a rumored attack by armed groups in Papua. There have been reports about a possible attack by separatist groups on May 1.
After meeting with the House of Representatives' (DPR) Defense Commission on Monday, Apr. 22, Zebua asserted that the Indonesian National Army (TNI) would respond if an attack does occur. Zebua was reluctant to say which armed group(s) has been rumored to make the attack.
In a previous meeting with the DPR, Zebua sated his hope that the Defense Commission can find intelligence on what is actually happening in Papua. He said that problems in Papua are not as intense as what is being discussed in Jakarta.
"No one in Papua has stated that they wish for independence. This is only (the words of) certain elites," he added.
In Medan, North Sumatra, 140 members of the Mobile Brigade (Brimob) trained for six days prior to being sent to provide security for PT Freeport in Timika, Papua.
North Sumatra Police chief, Wisjnu Sastro Amat, said Monday that before their deployment to Papua, the soldiers underwent physical and mental training, and were given information about Papua's situation. They also received guerrilla training, including shooting, melee combat, ambushes, survival, and the use of communication networks.
CUNDING LEVI | SAHAT SIMATUPANG
