Timika, Papua (ANTARA) - The security situation throughout Papua Province was safe in the run-up to Indonesia's 74th Independence Day commemoration on August 17, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Rudolf A. Rodja remarked.

"Until today, the security situation is safe," Rodja noted in Timika on Tuesday.

He strongly rebuked claims of an alert condition in all regions of Papua ahead of Indonesia's 74th Independence Day commemoration.

"There is no highest security level, known as 'Siaga 1'. The situation is normal," the inspector general clarified.

First Brigadier Hedar lost his life while conducting investigative duties in Ilaga, the capital of Puncak District, on Monday (Aug 12).

During that time, Brigadier Alfonso was travelling aboard a motorcycle along with First Brigadier Hedar to reach a village in Puncak District.

While passing Usir, a village in Puncak Jaya, a friend of First Brigadier Hedar called out to him. Brigadier Alfonso, who was riding a motorcycle, then stopped the vehicle.

First Brigadier Hedar then approached his friend and got engaged in conversation.

All of a sudden, an armed criminal group kidnapped First Brigadier Hedar.

Later, First Brigadier Hedar was found dead on Monday (Aug 12) at around 17:30 local time.