The deployment was part of a backup operation to prevent further unrest after Wednesday's riots, which broke out when authorities transferred four alleged members of the West Papua National Federal Republic (NFRPB) from Sorong to Makassar, South Sulawesi Province.
"This is a preventive step to maintain public order and safety," said West Papua Brimob Commander Senior Commissioner Edison Ludi Bard Sitanggang, who described the deployment as a strategic move to stabilize the city.
West Papua Police Spokesperson Senior Commissioner Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo emphasized that the deployment reflects the National Police's readiness to handle potential disruptions professionally and humanely. Officers have been instructed to prioritize persuasive communication to maintain calm, he added.
Meanwhile, Southwest Papua Governor Elisa Kambu urged residents to help restore peace following the unrest, which included attacks on public facilities and his official residence.
"This criminal act disrupted economic activities, schoolchildren, and health workers. Families must urge their children to stop this violence," Kambu stated.
Protesters reportedly damaged the Sorong mayor’s office, the governor’s office, and Kambu’s residence.
The violence began when supporters attempted to block the transfer of the four suspects — identified as AAG, NM, MS, and PR — from the Sorong District Prosecutor's Office to Domine Eduard Osok Airport.
Police confirmed that 10 alleged rioters have been arrested. Despite the chaos, government services in Sorong remain operational.
"We continue our duties. Let the authorities handle the legal process," Governor Kambu affirmed.
As reported earlier, despite the Indonesian government’s continued efforts to develop Papua and channel special autonomy funding, a small number of individuals continue to oppose the state.
Armed groups in Papua have even carried out attacks on civilians in recent years, targeting construction workers, motorcycle taxi drivers, teachers, students, street vendors, and even civilian aircraft.
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Translator: Yuvensius LB, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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