I praise the TNI and Polri that have worked hard to protect the Papuan people and secure the general elections. I hope they would remain our good working partners.
Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA) - Papuan figure Chris D.J. Fonataba vociferously commended the Indonesian police (Polri) and military (TNI) for maintaining security in Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost province, right from the presidential election until the presidential inauguration on October 20, 2019.

"I praise the TNI and Polri for their hard work in protecting the Papuan people and securing the general elections. I hope they would remain our good working partner," he affirmed in the Papua provincial capital of Jayapura on Friday.

Furthermore, Fonataba, concurrently chief of the United Papua Party, extended his congratulations to Joko Widodo and Ma'ruf Amin on being inaugurated as the president and vice president on October 20, 2019.

Related news: President Jokowi pays great attention to Papua

"I congratulate Mr Jokowi and Ma'ruf on being inaugurated as president and vice president of the Republic of Indonesia," he remarked.

He expressed hope that Jokowi would continue to focus on Papua not only in terms of infrastructure but also other policies, including the development of human resources.

Airing his views on the new cabinet lineup announced on Wednesday, Fonataba admitted to not having any qualms about no Papuan representation in the ministerial line-up in the Jokowi-Ma'ruf administration for the 2019-2024 period.

"The question of ministers is not our business. It is the prerogative of President Jokowi. What we expect is the recognition of a local party in Papua, so it can contribute positively to development," he added. Related news: Papua's security situation under control before Jokowi's visit: Police

Translator: Alfian Rumagit/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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