The survivors also believe that Wamena's security situation has been restored, he revealed in a press statement that ANTARA received in Jayapura, the capital city of Papua Province, on Tuesday.
To this end, Social Affairs Minister Juliari P. Batubara has appealed to Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto to facilitate the Wamena riot survivors looking to get back to the city, he stated.
"In response to this request, TNI Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto has ordered us at the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command and Silas Papare Air Base in Jayapura to provide the Indonesian Air Force Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft for three days," he noted.
Owing to the secure and conducive condition, the Wamena riot survivors are keen to return to the city. This will aid in restoring the city's economy, Eko Daryanto remarked, adding that the TNI will help transport them to Wamena.
President Widodo's visit to Wamena was aimed at ensuring a secure situation in the city, and he had also ordered the related authorities to conclude the reconstruction of Wouma Market within two weeks.
Related news: TNI AU Hercules plane transports 88 refugees back to Wamena
On Oct 10, TNI Commander Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto had made a solemn promise to facilitate the survivors of the recent Wamena rioting seeking refuge in Jayapura and several other cities of Papua keen on returning to Wamena.
The TNI commander had readied the Hercules C-130 cargo aircraft for transporting people looking to return to Wamena hit by a deadly riot on Sept 23.
The Wamena rioting has caused misery to scores of Indonesians. The incident not only resulted in the killing of 33 innocent civilians but it also left several thousand survivors with no option but to take refuge by abandoning their burned and destroyed properties.
Several survivors, initially from provinces, including West Sumatra, South Sulawesi, East Java, and Banten, have also returned to their hometowns.
The rioting was fueled by the spread of hoaxes through social media platforms that infuriated its residents, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Rudolf A. Rodja stated.
Several local media reports corroborated Rodja's claim that the riot was spurred by hoaxes concerning a teacher's racist slur against native Papuan students.
Related news: Jokowi instructs to expedite post-riot rehabilitation work in Wamena
Related news: Jokowi urged to rebuild properties in Jayapura, Wamena
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Alfian R, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
