"However, no such credible figure had yet to be found that could ensure security in the area," Karnavian remarked after a meeting with public and religious leaders of Papua here on late Tuesday.
Karnavian noted that some figures at the meeting had appealed to the police to withdraw its personnel, but he reaffirmed that the existence of security personnel in the region is yet deemed necessary to maintain public order.
He admitted that the deployment of security personnel to Nduga District was triggered by the massacre of 34 workers of state-owned construction firm PT Istaka Karya, who were assigned to build a road and open access to the hilly area in Kali-Yigi-kali Urak in Nduga.
"That incident has compelled us to deploy security personnel to Nduga," the police chief stated.
An armed group, led by Egianus Kogoya, was accused of the massacre of workers.
Before the incident on December 2, 2018, the armed group had created some trouble in the region, but the police had not deployed its troops. It was only after the massacre that the troops were stationed to maintain security in the region, he pointed out.
Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto and National Police (Polri) Chief General Tito Karnavian held a closed-door meeting with local social and religious figures as part of their working visit to the Papua provincial capital of Jayapura on Tuesday night. Related news: Cendrawasih Commander confirms no soldiers withdrawn from Nduga
Related news: No military operation in Nduga district: Papua police chief
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Evarukdijati, Sri Haryati
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
