Jayapura, Jubi – As previously reported by national and local media in Papua, the West Papua Liberation Army of Free Papua Movement leader Goliat Tabuni has surrendered to Indonesia with 25 group members.
According to Cenderawasih Regional Military Unit Chief Brigadier General Tatang Sulaiman, his statement to surrender and unite to the Republic of Indonesia was revealed by Tabuni’s men to the regional military chief during his visit to Tingginambut.
The Indonesian Army Chief General Gator Nurmantyo firmly confirmed Tabuni’s statement. In this reconciliation, General Tabuni had several requests to the Indonesian Army, namely asking for highland custom house ‘Honai’ and Indonesian District Military Command Headquarter.
“We will try to fulfill his request to build a honai, but we must consider it first for District Military Command Headquarter,” General Gatot Nurmantyo on Tuesday, 24 March 2015 in Jakarta.
However, a day after both military chiefs’ statement was made, as reported by Antara News Agency, the Regional Military Commander Major General Fransen Siahaan declined it.
“Until now Goliat Tabuni has not made statement to come and unite to Indonesia, it is not like the media coverage,” Major General Siahaan tod reporters in Jayapura on Wednesday (25/3/2015). He said those who made the statement were Tabuni’s men.
When visited Tingginambut, Cenderawasih Regional Military Unit Chief was with Cenderawasih Regional Military Intelligent Assistant Colonel Infantry Ginting. “There was a confirmation from local people and Tingginambut Sub-district Chief as well as Puncak Jaya Regent to say 23 Tabuni’s groups members will surrender at that time,” he said.
According to him, the 23 Tabuni’s men are currently in Tingginambut and blend with the local people. He then expected Goliat Tabuni have the same will. When asked about Tabuni’s strength, he said the armed group has about 40 fire arms of various types. (Victor Mambor/rom)
