Information on the deployment of security personnel by an army and police helicopter in Sugapa is not true
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Papua Police spokesman Commissioner A.M. Kamal dismissed unsubstantiated information on more troops being deployed to Sugapa in Intan Jaya District, Papua Province.

"Information on the deployment of security personnel by an army and police helicopter in Sugapa is not true," he informed ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday while speaking in connection with rumors spread among members of the public through online media.

Kamal confirmed that no additional troops were stationed in Sugapa. The security personnel deployed in the area conduct routine patrols and visits to villages in order to maintain peace and security in the run-up to this year's Christmas celebrations.

"The routine patrols and visits are aimed at offering a sense of security and comfort to the local community members ahead of this year's Christmas and New Year celebrations," he remarked while urging the people at large to remain careful with the information they receive.

Kamal warned that those spreading hoaxes were subject to violation of the 2008 Electronic Information and Transactions (ITE) Law for which they should remain cautious and careful with the information and news they receive through social media platforms.

The security situation in the provinces of Papua and West Papua Provinces remains critical owing to the terror acts by armed Papuan rebels.

On Nov 30, 2019, a group of Papuan gunmen had opened fire at an escort car owned by PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) at around Mile 60 in Tembagapura Sub-district, Mimika District, Papua Province, but no casualties were reported in the incident.

The gunmen who fired at PTFI's "Delta Zone" escort car might belong to an armed Papuan rebel group, led by Hengki Wamang, spokesman of the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command Colonel Eko Daryanto stated.

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The ill-fated vehicle came under attack when the driver Ramadhani and two passengers, Latif and Matthew Philips, were awaiting the arrival of an employee shuttle bus from the Timika bus terminal, he stated.

The shooting took place at around 3:50 p.m. local time. Some 10 minutes later, several members of the Indonesian military and police task force were deployed to the site of the attack to assist the victims and secure the Mile 60 area, he noted.

"No one is injured in the shooting incident," he remarked, adding that the military and police personnel should stay alert to the armed Papuan criminals, who were keen to hinder Papua's security.

Papua and West Papua have come under the radar of both the Indonesian and foreign media after a spate of violence erupted in several parts of these two Indonesian provinces in August and September 2019. Related news: Government to prioritize holistic development for Papua

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EDITED BY INE

Translator: Anita PD, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019