I am stressing that officers must be able to take precautionary measures against various disturbances that are most likely to occur, even the slightest (opportunity)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Security Task Force from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Indonesian Police (Polri) must take precautionary measures against the slightest disturbance during the XX National Sports Week in Papua, TNI Commander Air Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto stated.

"I am stressing that officers must be able to take precautionary measures against various disturbances that are most likely to occur, even the slightest (opportunity)," Tjahjanto remarked on Wednesday.

Hadi Tjahjanto believes that the 20th PON in Papua was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate that Papua was a province capable of holding a grand national event.

"The success of the implementation of the Papua XX PON is a golden moment to prove that the stability, security, and public order in Papua is conducive. Thus, the security factor is the main aspect that must be prioritized during the implementation of the National Sports Week," according to Tjahjanto.

The security aspect encompassed securing the venue and the entire course of the match, VVIPs at the opening and closing points, athletes and contingents, and spectators, as well as ensuring public protection, he emphasized.

He called on the Papua Police chief along with the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Commander to intensify communication, coordination, and collaboration for securing the multi-sporting event.

"Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this national event, involving thousands of people, poses a great risk of COVID-19 transmission and also the potential for security disturbances," he pointed out.

Tjahjanto noted that President Joko Widodo will officially launch the opening ceremony of the Papua XX National Games. The event will garner both national and international attention.

"This is because in the midst of the world's praises for Indonesia's success in suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic, all eyes will be on Papua as the host," he stated.

This event will demonstrate to the global community that Papua can organize national-scale events and is ready to host other national events, he remarked.

"To achieve this, the Papua XX PON Security Task Force, as the leading security sector, must be able to secure the event," he affirmed.

Success in handling the pandemic and organizing the Papua National Games will be the pride of all citizens, especially Papuans.

"Thus, I command all security forces to conduct security duties across all dimensions, both physically and non-physically. Physically, ensure that the security protocols for the Papua XX PON event are followed well and ascertain that all personnel understand their respective duties and responsibilities despite it being safe so far, (remain vigilant)," he stressed.

He also noted that in responding to potential threats and disturbances, which would differ across locations, the approach should take into account the situation, conditions, culture, and local wisdom of each region.

"I believe that with sincere intentions for the sake of humanity and the progress of Papua, the national defense force-police force, along with all elements of Papuan society, will be able to ensure that Papua successfully holds the Papua XX National Sports Week," he stated.

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Translator: Syaiful Hakim, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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