Securing the border area of Indonesia is an important task for the military force of Indonesia. This is the frontline of the nation. Any attack or intrusion may happen at any time. The force assigned to the border would be the first one to be aware of such an attack. Then, they will be the first ones to handle it.
Hence it is not surprising news to learn the Republic of Indonesia’s border with Papua New Guinea has tight security. The special task force soldiers, the Pamtas Task Force, heavily guard the border, moreover, with the active threat from the separatist groups in the region.
The New Troops for RI-Papua New Guinea Border
Admiral Yudo Margono has just sent off new troops to guard the east border of Indonesia. These new troops consist of 850 soldiers who are ready to start their duties for the country. These are RI-PGN Pamtas Task Force or the special unit. One of their main tasks is to secure the border between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.
Admiral Yudo Margono, as TNI Commander, joined the ceremony at the port of Palembang, South Sumatra, where he sent them off for duties. The entire Border Security Task Force will immediately start their 12 months of tasks on the border.
The special task force consists of 450 Raider Yonif and 200 soldiers. The remaining 400 soldiers are from Yonif 133. Admiral Yudo Margono received the full report of the Operational Readiness Check. Once the ceremony finished, the troops were on their way for departure to Papua.
Although the troops consist of many soldiers, they will not be on their own during their tasks. There are other units already assigned at the border. They will be joining those units in securing the border.
Admiral Yudo Margono was not only responsible for sending off the troops. His presence is required to encourage the soldiers. This assignment is not an easy task. The soldiers will be away from their homes and family for 12 months. The border also has its risks and danger. So some moral support from their commander will help them to go through the hard months.
Other than encouraging the troops, Admiral Yudo Margono is also responsible for checking the equipment of the troops in person. These soldiers also bring logistics and complete military equipment. To safely embark the troops on duties, the TNI Commander has to liaise with the police force to ensure all the equipment will arrive in Papua securely.
The Risks for Pamtas Task Force
The border security troops will carry out their duty for 12 months. Although Indonesia is not in dispute with Papua New Guinea which requires heavy security on the border, another danger awaits at the border.
It is not Papua New Guinea military force that brings threats to Indonesia Pamtas Task Force. The threat mainly comes from the separatist groups, also known as the KKB.
The separatist groups have long brought threats to Indonesia’s military force. The areas where they hide are most vulnerable to their attack. Hence, the troops must be equipped with complete military weapons and protection.
The troops must be extra careful in carrying out their task. The daily activities on the border often involved civilians from both countries crossing the border. If the KKB attacked, the civilians would be in great danger. However, the KKB can also hide and disappear among civilians.
It takes extra attention from the military force to find the threats. It is not easy to complete 12-month duties on the front line. Pamtas Task Force has undergone military training to ensure they will not cause any destruction or disturbance during their task.
