Of course, that is a pride for the people of Papua."Timika, Papua (ANTARA News) - Chief of the Cendrawasih Regional Military Command XVII, Major General Hinsa Siburian, has expressed support for the creation of a Kasuari Regional Military Command XVIII in West Papua province.
General Mulyono, Army Chief of Staff, is set to officiate the new regional military command in Manokwari, capital of West Papua province, later this month, coinciding with the inauguration of Major General Joppye Onesimus Wayangkau as its commander, he said here on Tuesday.
"Of course, that is a pride for the people of Papua. He (Joppye Onesimus Wayangkau) has made history by being the first chief of the Kasuari Regional Military Command XVIII. What is more, he is a native of Papua," he said.
The personnel of the new regional military command will include all army soldiers assigned in West Papua, some personnel of the Cendrawasih Regional Military Command XVII, and the rest from units of the army headquarters in Jakarta.
The new regional military command was built on the former site of companies C and D station of the district military command 1703 at Arfai village, South Manokwari sub-district, West Papua.
The regional military command will oversee Biak and Sorong military resort commands.
National Defense Forces (TNI) Chief General Gatot Nurmantyo said the creation of the new regional military command was aimed at serving defense interests.
"There are no political interests and purposes in the creation of the new regional military command in Papua. The TNI only wants the aspect of defense fulfilled in the region. Thus, the operation control can be conducted properly, should undesirable situations occur," he said.
(Reported by Evarianus Supar/Uu.S012/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
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