REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The joint security officers derived from Indonesian military and police have secured Wamena-Tiom route, which previously was being disturbed by armed groups who had shot civilians and police personnel.
Deputy Chief of Papua Regional Police Brigadier General Paulus Waterpauw said to Antara here on Monday the route has been secured after a joint patrol was conducted in the area.
Waterpauw noted that the local people have no fear of crossing the route after the security officers started patrolling the region.
The deputy chief stated that based on reports most of the armed groups have fled, thus the civilian cargo activity can continue.
"We hope the situation remains conducive, so that people's activities are not disturbed," Waterpauw said.
He stated that the police had also established sector police posts along the route, particularly near Lanny Jaya District, such as Makki, Indawa, Pirime, and Tiom posts.
The armed groups had been involved in skirmishes in the area since last July, which had claimed the lives of two police officers and five civilians, as well as injured military personnel.
Waterpauw added that the armed groups belonged to the Puren Wenda and Enden Wanimbo groups.
According to the deputy chief, both the groups have fled to remote areas in Lanny Jaya District.