Their visit to Kenyam, Nduga district, aimed to strengthen coordination between the defense sector and government budgeting in support of national security and stability, according to Brigadier General Frega Ferdinand Wenas Inkiriwang, head of the Defense Ministry's information bureau.
“So that the Ministry of Finance can better understand the challenges faced by TNI personnel stationed in Papua’s high-risk border areas,” he said.
The ministers first landed at Timika Airport in Central Papua before flying to Kenyam. They then proceeded to the Tactical Command Post of Infantry Battalion 733/Masariku to inspect field conditions and operations.
According to Inkiriwang, this marked the first time a finance minister had visited a high-risk conflict zone in Nduga.
Wearing bulletproof vests, the ministers reviewed the soldiers’ equipment and assessed their combat readiness.
“The visit was a safety-sensitive mission, so all delegates, including those from the finance and defense ministries, wore bulletproof vests,” he explained.
The trip also aimed to ensure accountability in defense spending, which is funded and monitored by the Finance Ministry.
Inkiriwang said that the visit reflected the commitment of both ministries to work in synergy toward achieving national security and stability, especially in regions vulnerable to conflicts.
“National defense requires financial support—and in return, a strong defense contributes to economic resilience, which ultimately strengthens the country’s fiscal capacity,” he added.
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Translator: Bagus, Kenzu
Editor: Anton Santoso
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