Security was increased in Timika, the capital city of Mimika District, by stepping up routine patrolling to offer a sense of security and safety to the local residents, Mimika Police Chief, Adjunct Sen. Coms. I Gusti Gede Era Adhinata stated here on Monday.
"The more intensified patrols at vulnerable areas are not merely conducted as precautionary measures ahead of the commemoration of KNPB's anniversary but they are also held to make the local community members sentient of the police’s presence," he explained.
Adhinata remarked that the KNPB had been striving to counter the spread of an ideology running counter to the basic principles of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. As a result, the police officers will take stern actions against its members and loyalists.
"We are taking stern actions against them if they really violate Indonesia's laws," he noted, adding that the National Police and Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) have continued to monitor the moves of armed Papuan rebels in the areas of Tembagapura District.
On October 13, taking into account the real threats posed by armed Papuan separatists, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Paulus Waterpauw evaluated the readiness of members of the police's mobile brigade unit at the Mimika police precinct.
Waterpauw warned the police personnel there to remain vigilant. In October, Waterpauw and Commander of the XVII Cenderawasih Regional Military Command Major General Herman Assaribab had also paid a visit to Tembagapura District whose areas had been used as a mining site by gold and copper mining firm PT Freeport Indonesia for decades.
The visit was made to evaluate the readiness of police and military personnel tasked with defending and securing the areas, Waterpauw explained.
Over 800 personnel of the Police Mobile Brigade joined the Amole Task Force unit. They are backed by the Nemangkawai Task Force unit, he remarked, adding that he lauded the dedication of personnel stationed in the mining areas.
The presence of police and military personnel in risky areas focused on maintaining security and peace, he added. Related news: Stay alert, Papua police chief warns Mimika policemen
Related news: Police interrogate 15 Papuan youngsters in Mimika
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Evarianus S, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
