"We ask the government to tighten security along the border with PNG," Skow Mabo community figure Yans Mahil Mallo told ANTARA News here Tuesday.
Recently, security agencies arrested a PNG border crosser for possessing marijuana while entering Jayapura, Papua`s provincial capital, he said.
Such incidents often happened causing anxiety among the local people, he said.
He said a number of local figures from four villages located near the PNG border had committed to helping the authorities prevent drug trafficking in order to protect Papua`s younger generation.
Another local community figure, Hanock Rollo, also expressed concern about drug trafficking across the Skow (Indonesia)-Wutung (PNG) border.
Drug traffickers had abused their red cards (instead of passports) needed to cross the border.
"I think it`s the responsibility of the authorities to address the problem. We just give them information," he said, adding that he felt worried that the situation could get worse after the Skow model market was realized.
Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said in Jayapura recently the Skow market would be included in the national program to revitalize traditional markets.
"Skow market is the ninth of ten traditional markets throughout Indonesia which will be revitalized to become model traditional markets," the minister told the press after visiting the market which is located not far from the Indonesia-PNG border.
The Papuan market was selected because of its strategic location, namely near the border with PNG, according to Mari.
Besides, the market would be able to help boost Indonesia`s exports to PNG where in 2010 transactions were recorded at US$202,482.52.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
