Police Use Persuasive Approach to Face Armed Groups in Papua
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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
National Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto. ANTARA/Reno Esnir
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police continue to use persuasive approach to face armed groups in Mimika, Papua. The negotiation process is carried out through religious and local figureheads who have family relations with the groups.
Police spokesman Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto said on November 14 that police are avoiding shootouts with the rebel groups. He denied that police were afraid of facing the groups who held 1,300 civilians hostage in Kimbely and Banti villages in Papua. Setyo said that police are looking for the best way to avoid casualties.
As of now, the military and police in Mimika could yet contact the leader of the armed groups. They could not confirm how long the negotiation process would take.
The armed groups have held civilians, including employees of mining company PT Freeport Indonesia, for two weeks. Hostages in the two Papua's villages are not allowed leave the area but they may continue their daily activities.
