Colonel Donny Pramono, head of the Army Information Service, said the dual strategy has improved safety on the ground while helping stimulate the local economy and strengthen public welfare.
On the security front, the Army continues to deploy personnel across Papua and expand operations other than war (OMSP).
“These OMSP tasks include the RI-PNG border security mission, protection of national vital assets, safeguarding inhabited outermost islands, and providing VVIP security,” Pramono said.
The second pillar of the approach focuses on territorial development through community programs such as the TNI Manunggal Membangun Desa (TMMD) village development initiative, water-intake construction, and the clearing of farmland for local use.
Pramono said the strategy reinforces public trust by showing the government's presence through the Army, delivering both security and economic support.
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“This approach aims to build trust, expand access to basic services, and promote long-term stability,” he said, adding that the measures will continue to maintain a safe and conducive environment in Papua.
Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin previously said the Army would implement a “smart approach” to sustain security in the region.
“We will deploy troops in Papua and use a method called the smart approach, combining a soft approach, a territorial approach, and a hard approach involving tactical operations,” he said after a meeting with the House of Representatives’ Commission I on November 24.
He said the soft or territorial component consists of humanitarian-focused activities designed to support communities.
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Translator: Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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