West Papua is Safe, Local Government Says

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The West Papua Provincial Government guaranteed that situation in Manokwari Regent is now safe.

Deputy Regent of West Papua Mohamad Lakotani said in a press conference on Wednesday, August 21, 2019m that all state apparatus and the local residents to resume normal activities.

Lakotani understands that the recent riot that occurred on Monday, August 19, 2019, had resulted in a trauma related to the security in Manokwari.

"We have held meeting between local leaders and with public figures, clerics, including student activists. There has been a joint commitment to provide security, there is a guarantee that Manokwari is safe," Lakotani confirmed.

Lakotani also instructed all civil apparatus to return to their respective offices and provide services as normal. The regional government together with the National Army,  and the Police are working hard to maintain security in the region.

Chief of Operational Bureau of the West Papua Regional Police Sr. Comr. Muhammad Sagi hoped that the public would not immediately believe any hoax or information that are yet to be confirmed.

"If a chain information went in [to the inbox], check for the truth. Do not immediately spread it because it will makes things worse," Sagi explained.

Sagi further added that the West Papua Regional Police and the Manokwari Resort Police are ready to provide the latest information concerning security in all of West Papua.

Based on the observation made by ANTARA journalists the economic activities and government services in Manokwari are yet to return to normal. Although traffic on the streets of Manokwari had returned to normal, stores and markets are yet to open.

Gas stations that were previously closed during the riot has now open. Public transportation services in Manokwari had also resumed.

ANTARA