Merauke, Jubi – Marines have guarded an area at Mopah Airport, Merauke, at the instruction of their commander.
XI Marine Battalion Commander Major Nioko Budi Harun B told reporters Thursday said he was simply following an order to assign the soldiers at Mopah Airport.
“Yes, if needed we will coordinate with the supporting unit, but this keeps running as instructed from high level chief,” he said.
Meanwhile, Merauke XI Marine Spokesperson Major H. Azhari similarly said the marine assignment at the airport area was implemented after the Mopah Airport Director Rajoki Aritonang officially sent a letter to XI Marine Commander Brigadier General Buyung Lelana and copy the letter to Indonesian Military Commander.
Following the instruction of Indonesian Military Commander, Marine Commander assigned his officers to guard the airport area. “Up to now they are still doing their task securing the airport area. While their withdrawal was the chief’s authority,” he said.
When asked about the number of marines who assigned at the airport, Major Azhari said the number is fluctuate and only the Marine Commander who is competent to make a detail explanation on it. But the point is this assignment is solely for the people’s safe.
Earlier, the Merauke Military District Commander Brigadier Supartodi said marine officers have been pulled back and the police will replace them to safeguard the airport’s security. (Frans L Kobun/rom)
