Armed Group Demands Ransom for Workers in Papua, Communication Minister Supports Security Forces’ Efforts

Jakarta –

Armed Criminal Group (KKB) asked for a ransom of IDR 500 million to free four PT Inti Bangun Sejahtera (IBS) workers who were carrying out work on the BTS Tower in Okibab, Bintang Mountains, Papua Mountains. Minister of Communication and Information Jhonny G Plate fully surrender the liberation strategy carried out by the TNI-Polri.

“Regarding the hostage release strategy, it is the domain of the Police and the TNI, the Ministry of Communication and Information supports every step that will be taken by security forces in Papua,” said Jhonny when contacted. detikcomSaturday (13/5/2023).

Jhonny revealed that currently coordination was being carried out regarding efforts to free the hostages. Coordination is carried out by the TNI-Polri.

“Coordination is being carried out with security forces in Papua, both the TNI and Polri,” he said.

Jhonny said that security is a factor that needs attention to build infrastructure in Papua. He said workers needed to be escorted to maintain safety and security during the construction of digital infrastructure there.

“Security issues are a very important factor to pay attention to and become an obstacle in the development of digital infrastructure in Papua. Apart from the difficulty in mobilizing logistics, assets (BTS) that are burned also the security and safety of personnel need to be guarded and ensured their safety,” he said.

Jhonny revealed that eight BTS tower workers in Papua had been killed. He said there were four workers whose whereabouts were unknown.

“Last year 8 BTS contactor personnel were killed and this time someone was hacked and the whereabouts of 4 personnel are unknown. Without adequate security guarantees it will have a demoralizing impact on personnel and digital infrastructure engineers currently building in Papua,” he said.

Jhonny said the safety of workers was a top priority. He said the development of digital infrastructure in Papua was carried out by the central government in order to improve people’s welfare.

“The safety of personnel whose whereabouts are unknown is currently a top priority. The Regional Government of Papua, community leaders and the people of Papua need to know that the development of digital infrastructure in Papua carried out by the central government is mainly in the interest of development and increasing the welfare of the people and people in Papua, ” he added.

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