On Resolving the Conflict in Papua, Commander Stresses Collaboration

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) General Agus Subianto emphasized the importance of collaboration in resolving the conflict in Papua.

“Resolving the Papua issue, I believe, is not solely the responsibility of the TNI; everyone must collaborate. Regional governments, ministries, because the situation there is similar to other regions,” the Commander said at Silang Monas Field, Jakarta, Sunday (20/9/2026).

Agus revealed that his forces have been deployed to secure the Papua region.

However, he acknowledged that the vast territory of Papua poses a unique challenge for his forces in maintaining security there.

“We have deployed units in Papua. Indeed, Papua’s territory is very extensive, very large, and consists of extreme mountainous areas,” he said.

Nonetheless, he stressed that the government continues to carry out development in Papua, such as building bridges and other infrastructure.

According to him, the existence of bridges is crucial for economic equity in Papua.

“The President plans to build bridges to connect districts and villages so that the welfare and economy of the community can run smoothly,” he stated.

He added that the presence of bridges helps residents sell their harvests.

Conversely, without bridges, people must travel for hours to bring their agricultural produce to market.

“They can sell immediately if there are bridges. Without them, they have to take long detours. So, everything must be a collaboration between the TNI and the ministries,” he asserted.