Senior Commissioner Ahmad M Kamal, spokesman of the Nemangkawi operation task force, in a statement on Sunday expressed his hope that others armed groups would follow such a step.
"(When) the condition is conducive, we would be able to concentrate on regional development by improving human resources and building facilities and infrastructure, to support the community life, to promote prosperity," he said.
The surrender took place at the Yapen Police headquarters on Saturday (Dec 18) at the presence of Yapen's national unity and politic office head, Sony Woria.
Commander of the 1709/Yawa Military District Command Lt Col Catur P Nugroho said that the presence of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) and the Police is not to scare Yapen Island's people.
"We are here together to advance the development in Yapen Island," he added.
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Yapen Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commissioner Ferdyan I Fahmi said that TNI and the Police have taken persuasive approaches to promote understanding and convince Yapen people that the presence of legal enforcement personnel in Yapen Islands is as members of a family, not as enemy.
"We are present here to help the regional government develop Yapen Islands and accelerate the welfare for the people, both concerning education and health," he said.
The security personnel will also guarantee that Christmas and New Year celebrations would run smoothly and safely, he added.
"Since long time ago, Papua is part of Indonesia, and Indonesia includes Papua. Hence, there must be no struggle beyond that. There must be no fight in the name of Free Papua or West Papua," he said.
A member of the Ambaidiru group said that they had taken a wrong path so far, and hence they have decided to return to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) for the unity of Indonesia.
"The (Yapen) police chief has told us that we do not need (to fight for) freedom any more. We have agreed to surrender here and admit our mistakes. Now we want to return and unite together to advance the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he said.
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Translator: Laily Rahmawaty, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
