Indonesia and PNG military at the border (Jubi)
Jayapura , 20/4 ( Jubi ) – Journalists should exercise caution and care when reporting on sensitive issues between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, a PNG defense chief said.
“Sensitive issues should be reported carefully because they can put civilian lives in danger,” Papua New Guinea Defense Force Officer Peter Waiaki, who is Commanding the base in Vanimo, said on Wednesday (16 /4).
Waiaki urges reporters to seek confirmation with the authorities first before releasing sensitive stories. He has also banned some 50 Vanimo residents from entering Indonesia-PNG border.
The border reopened after being closed several days but Waiaki said he could not guarantee safety on the border. As reported by EMTV on Wednesday (16/4 ), Indonesia and PNG border officials held a meeting at a neutral territory on the border. The meeting was later moved to on the Indonesian part of the border with a military escort. Each side was represented by delegates from the two border provinces, military personnel and counsels representing the two countries.
This meeting did not discuss the shooting incident that occurred between an armed group and Indonesian security forces on April 5 but focused on the reopening of the border between the two countries and the security of civilians.
“The safety of PNG civilians who enter the border for trade is guaranteed,” head of the Border and Foreign Cooperation of Papua province, Susana Wanggai said.
Wanggai also called on the cooperation of PNG security forces. She said urges PNG security forces to hand over people who fight for West Papua independence to Indonesia to face a legal process.
The meeting ended by the opening the border by the acting deputy governor of Sandaun province, Paul Negai.
“PNG understands that West Papua is an integral part of Indonesia. We want Indonesia to rein in troops as the Border Authority development project is currently under construction on the PNG side, ” Negai concluded . ( Jubi / Victor Mambor/ Tina).
