TNI Commander Orders Maximum Combat Assistance After Soldier Killed in Papua

CNN Indonesia

Sunday, 16 Apr 2023 19:25 WIB

Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono ordered the search for soldiers with maximum combat assistance over TNI involved in gunfire with the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) Of Guess, Papua Mountains, Saturday (16/4).

Kapuspen TNI Rear Admiral Julius Widjojono said that as a result of the shooting, a soldier from the Yonif R 321/GT Task Force named Pratu Miftahul Arifin died.

In addition, there are several soldiers who are still being sought after engaging in gunfire.

“The condition of the other soldiers is currently still in several locations. We have difficulty contacting because of the uncertain weather conditions. For this reason, the TNI Commander has continuously ordered to carry out search and combat assistance with maximum strength,” said Julius at TNI Headquarters, Jakarta East, Sunday (16/4).

Julius expressed condolences from the TNI Commander, Admiral Yudo Margono, for the incident.

He said the TNI Commander ordered the ranks not to hesitate to take action.

“The TNI as a patriot of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia has never stepped back an inch to safeguard sovereignty and this is still being consistently implemented in Papua. The TNI Commander firmly said to take action, don’t hesitate,” he said.

Previously, a TNI soldier from the Yonif R 321/GT Task Force was reported dead after an attack carried out by the KKB in the Mugi-Mam area, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains, Saturday (15/4) at 16.30 WIT.

“The incident of the attack and shooting began when the KST group shot TNI Soldiers from the Yonif R 321 / GT Task Force who were on duty in the Mugi Nduga area, resulting in 1 Soldier on behalf of Private Miftahul Arifin being shot,” said Kapendam XVII / Cenderawasih, Colonel Kav Herman Taryaman in a statement written, Sunday (16/4).

He explained that Pratu Miftahul Arifin was shot and then fell into a 15-meter ravine and was known to have died.

Then, during the evacuation of First Class Arifin, suddenly the KKB shot another TNI personnel, causing gunfire.

(yoa/gil)