1 Oct 2015

Indonesian intelligence agency to form Papua peace taskforce

8:25 pm on 1 October 2015

Indonesia's State Intelligence Agency (BIN) is reportedly forming a team called the Papua Peace Task Force to resolve problems in the Papua region peacefully.

Sutiyoso, the chair of Indonesia's State Intelligence Agency.

Sutiyoso, the chair of Indonesia's State Intelligence Agency. Photo: AFP

Tabloid Jubi reports the BIN chairman Sutiyoso saying the Task Force is composed of representatives from BIN and the Army Special Forces (Kopassus) who have extensive experience in Papua.

According to Sutiyoso, separatism in Papua can be ended by prioritising the fulfilment of public welfare in the region.

He says separatism exists in small, widely dispersed groups in Papua.

However the chairman says separatism should be taken seriously, and that a persuasive approach must be prioritised by Indonesia's government.

Sutiyoso adds that if the approach is neglected by the separatist groups, action must be taken accordingly.