REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Gunmen in Papua attacked the helicopter of Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) in Puncak Jaya, Papua, during the evacuation of eight soldiers shot dead yesterday. The bullet hit the body of the helicopter and the finger of a personnel.

The evacuation was cancelled due to the circumstances. "We are waiting for the right time," Coordinating Minister of Politics, Laws and Security, Djoko Suyanto, said on Friday.

"Based on our intelligence, there are several armed groups in the area," he said, adding that he could not ensure which group who did the attack. He strongly condemned the incident and said that the suspect must be arrested.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Friday the attack hampered government's efforts to maintain the situation in Papua and impeded the efforts to improve Papua's social welfare.

Government prioritizes the development of economy and welfare in Papua through some policies and programs. He said that government had different approach towards Papua as they previously used military approach. Government also maintains sovereignty and social situation as well as law and order in Papua.

SBY promised to take immediate action towards the attack. "We cannot let the attack happen," he said.

Yesterday, eight soldiers were shot dead in two separate attacks by gunmen in Papua. A soldier was killed when the gunmen attacked a military post in TIngginambut, while other seven were died when they were ambushed in Sinak.

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