jpnn.com, PAPUA - The Nemangkawi Task Force, a joint force of Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police personnel, has taken control of Bilogai Airport, Sugapa district, Intan Jaya regency, Papua, since Friday (29/10) evening.
Previously, Bilogai Airport was occupied by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) and resulted in the absence of civil aviation.
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"It is true that since Friday night, Bilogai Airport has been controlled by the TNI and National Police after previously the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) had occupied it, causing no civil flights to serve routes to the area," said the Director of Criminal Investigation at the Papua Police, Senior Commissioner Faizal Rahmadani in Jayapura, Papua, Saturday (30/10).
He said that currently, the airport was safe for aircrafts to land because members of the TNI and the police were on standby.
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The middle-ranking officer said that the Papua Police would also add two platoons of personnel to Intan Jaya.
"This is to strengthen [the control over] the region," said Faizal.
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The commander of the Nemangkawi Task Force said that residents had taken refuge in two locations, namely the church and the police station.
However, the exact number of people who have fled is not yet known because task force members are still collecting data.
When asked about the burning incident of the Airnav Office of Bilogai Airport, Friday (29/10), Faizal admitted that the report he received stated that it was not the Airnav office but the generator house, a kiosk, and two vehicles, including an ambulance around the airport.
Previously, the Commander of Kodim 1705/Nabire, Lieutenant Colonel Infantry Anjuanda Pardosi, stated that there had been a shootout between his team and armed gangs around Sugapa district, but there were no casualties reported. (antara/mcr20/jpnn)
This news has been broadcast on JPNN.com with the title: TNI dan Polri Menguasai Bandara Bilogai yang Sempat Diduduki KKB