JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government is strengthening the role of the Community Protection Task Force (Satgas Linmas) as the frontline in maintaining public order and safety across the Papua region.

This initiative was emphasized during the Technical Coordination Meeting on the Formation of the Papua Provincial Community Protection Task Force, held in Jayapura City on Thursday (October 16, 2025).

Acting Assistant III of the Papua Regional Secretariat, Triwarno Purnomo, representing the Governor of Papua, Police Commissioner General (Ret.) Matius Fakhiri, stated that the presence of Community Protection is crucial not only for maintaining neighborhood security but also for assisting communities during disasters.

“The Governor sincerely hopes this activity runs smoothly and is taken seriously by all participants, as Community Protection plays a vital role in public service at the grassroots level,” said Triwarno.

According to him, the establishment and strengthening of Community Protection Task Forces in Papua are strategic steps to ensure that every region has a strong, well-trained, and responsive community protection structure ready to handle emergencies. He added that the meeting also serves as a platform for developing joint work mechanisms and action plans across districts and cities.

Meanwhile, Omri I. Rumbino, Head of the Community Protection Division of the Papua Provincial Civil Service Police Unit, explained that the meeting aims to enhance coordination between local governments and community elements at all levels, from the provincial to the village level.

“This is part of the regional government’s responsibility to ensure that community protection functions effectively and sustainably,” Omri said.

He further stated that the optimization of Community Protection institutions will be implemented across nine districts/cities, as well as in the newly established autonomous regions in Papua. Local governments will support the organizational restructuring process to ensure that the duties are carried out synergistically and in accordance with community needs.

“They are the frontline of public service, especially during public disturbances or disasters. Therefore, capacity building and continuous development remain our top priorities,” he concluded. ***