"For instance, if an unarmed border crosser failed to produce documents or other proof of identification (while we inspect them), we cannot just shoot them at the spot," Perkasa stated during a video broadcast on YouTube and observed in Jakarta on Monday.
The military commander's instruction was delivered during his recent visit to military units and sub-district military commanders stationed at the 755/Merauke Infantry Battalion in Papua.
Military troops must be prudent in handling unarmed border crossers, as the borders are mostly without barriers, and locals may inadvertently cross the border or have no clue regarding Indonesia’s immigration regulation, he noted.
“Military unit commanders must instruct their troops not to shoot their guns indiscriminately,” Perkasa remarked.
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Despite instructing troops to prioritize the application of humanistic and persuasive approaches while on duty, the military commander also urged troops to maintain vigil and caution during their daily activities, especially during border patrol missions.
Troops must continue to improve territorial knowledge and engage in amicable relations with locals to enhance the residents' trust in the military, he added.
During his visit, Perkasa also inquired from officers stationed at local military posts regarding ongoing and recurring issues that they faced while on duty to assess the effectiveness of the troops' performance at assigned territories.
The military commander also informed local military officers regarding the incentives policy for officers assigned for duty at task forces under the command of the 755/Merauke Infantry Battalion and instructed them to award the incentives in full without any cut.
He discouraged local military commanders from opportunistic and profiteering behaviors, as the National Defense Forces are bound by the national regulation and law while conducting their daily activities.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
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