Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Indonesian Defense Forces Chief Marshall Hadi Tjahjanto and Indonesia Police Chief General Tito Karnavian witnessed a paratroopers’ jump drill comprising 92 officers of Indonesian Army Strategic Command (Kostrad's) Division 3 at Sentani Airport, here, Wednesday.

The drill was part of a Quick Reaction Strike Forces (PPRC) exercise organized in Sentani and Wamena Airports, Papua Province.

The PPRC exercises are held on an annual basis at different locations, and this year, it is organized in Papua, Tjahjanto stated.

The exercise aims to boost the professionalism of the Army's officers.

"Alhamdulillah (Thank God), the jump drills organized at two different locations ran smoothly and safely," Tjahjanto confirmed.

Jayapura Mayor Benhur Tomi Mano and Keerom District Head Muhamad Sarkun were accompanied by the Military and Police chiefs on the occasion.

Mano stated that normalcy had been restored in Jayapura, and the security situation remains conducive. The economic activities have begun picking up, apart from those whose shops were set ablaze by protesters.

The mayor noted that the Jayapura administration will help the victims of the recent violent protests.

Related news: TNI Commander Tjahjanto to take office in Papua
Related news: Spokesman confirms TNI commander's scheduled arrival at Sentani


The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing had earlier revealed that it had apportioned Rp100 billion (US$7.03 million) for rebuilding state offices destroyed by protesters during the rally in Jayapura City, Papua, on August 29.

Minister Basuki Hadimuljono stated here on Tuesday that the rebuilding projects will be started next week.

"Hence, we expect the wreckage to be cleaned up before the rebuilding begins," Hadimuljono stated.

The minister remarked during his working visit to the city that buildings of the Papua Elections Commission and Jayapura Custom Office incurred the maximum damage in the rioting.

Hadimuljono stated that based on the extent of damage, the reconstruction work will take anywhere between one and six months prior to completion.

However, for buildings that only had minor damage, the rebuilding may require one to two months. However, for public offices that had suffered major damage, the renovation process may take six months in the least.

On Aug 29, few demonstrations erupted in Jayapura over racial slurring against Papuan students. The rallies snowballed into full-blown riots as demonstrators burned state offices, vehicles, and public facilities.

Related news: Government to restore public facilities damaged in Papua unrest
Related news: Rp100 bn allocated to rebuild offices in Jayapura

Translator: Evarukdijati, Fardah
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2019