Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo has ordered a manhunt for all members of armed separatist and terrorist groups operating in Papua following Sunday's fatal shooting of chief of the State Intelligence Agency (BNI)-Papua Office, Brig. General I Gusti Putu Danny.
"I also order the Indonesian Military and the National Police to chase and arrest all members of the armed criminal groups," Widodo said at a press conference at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
The head of state stressed that there is no place for armed criminal groups within Indonesian territory, including Papua.
"I stress that there is no place for armed criminal groups to live in Papua and the rest of the country," he said.
Widodo offered his condolences on the death of Brig. Gen. Danny, and announced his posthumous promotion to a higher rank in recognition of his dedication and sacrifice for the state.
"On behalf of the nation, people, and state, I offer deep condolences to his bereaved family,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Danny was shot during a gunfight while visiting Dambel village, Beoga sub-district, Puncak district, Papua. He arrived at the village, which is located about three kilometers from Beoga, with seven security personnel on four motorcycles around 9:20 p.m. local time on Sunday.
The village has recently been the target of violence, with armed rebels reportedly setting ablaze several civilian homes and an elementary school building.
Over the past four months, Papua has borne the brunt of a string of violent attacks by armed groups targeting civilians in districts, such as Puncak and Intan Jaya.
The armed groups often employ hit-and-run tactics against Indonesian security personnel, while unleashing acts of terror against civilians to instill fear among the people.
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