Jayapura, Papua (ANTARA News) - As many as 500 former members of the separatist movement in Papua are employed based on their capabilities, according to District Head of Puncak Jaya Hanock Ibo.

Ibo noted here on Wednesday that former separatists had joined the community and did not intend to disrupt peace and security.

Ibo revealed that some of the former separatists were being employed in civil service police units and as project leaders in several building constructions being carried out in Puncak Jaya District.

Ibo affirmed that the administration remained committed to implementing an approach to prevent criminal acts against the local community and security officers.

"We will continue to invite them to again join the community. The approach has yielded positive results, including from a leader of the Papua Independence Movement Goliath Tabuni, who had conducted an armed assault," Ibo added.

Ibo remarked that Tabuni had responded positively to the approach after his wife and son were permitted to visit Mulia area.

"It means that he is already open-minded and believes that the security officers and regional administration will provide security to his family," Ibo affirmed.

Additionally, Ibo stated that ten followers of Tabuni had again become part of the community and were now residing in Jayapura City.

He hoped that ex-separatists would also play an active role in the regions development.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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