Jokowi Rings Governor to Confirm Safety of West Papua

TEMPO.CO, Manokwari - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi rang West Papua Governor Dominggus Mandacan to assure the security situation in the region.

“Pak President has just called me, he asks the security situation in Manokwari and other regions in West Papua. I say that we are now safe and public activity has started to run normally,” said the governor in the middle of meeting with the province’s customary figures, community figures, religious figures, and student activists in Manokwari, Wednesday, August 21.

Dominggus explained that the current situation in West Papua was quite conducive. After a session in Manokwari, he would hold a meeting with Regional Police Chief and Kasuari Military Commander in Sorong City and Fakfak Regency.

“I have told the President that West Papua administration along with law enforcers, both Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police are striving to end the riot. This is the time to develop West Papua,” he asserted.

After the mass riot in Manokwari broke out on Monday, August 19, as many as 956 police personnel from several regions were dispatched to help West Papua Police in Manokwari and Sorong.

“This merely an anticipative measure because West Papua Police lacks personnel, 40 percent from the ideal number regional police must have,” said West Papua Police Chief Brig. Gen. Herry Rudolf Nahak in the meeting.

Herry then called on all parties to maintain the situation of Manokwari and West Papua remains conducive. The police and TNI would do their utmost in bringing security.

Kasuari Military Commander May. Gen. Joppye Onesimus Wayangkau seconded Herry’s statement. He appealed to the public to preserve the safety in West Papua and be wise in responding to the issue, instead of destroying state facilities.

“Our problem is with those people out there, but why we hurt ourselves by damaging facilities here. We have to secure this home, don’t destroy it,” he underlined.

ANTARA