Minister of Social Affairs Expresses Her Deep Condolences, Says the Soldiers who Die as Defenders of the Nation

SIDOARJO (15 April 2022) - On behalf of the government, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini conveyed her deep condolences for the loss of soldiers and civilians in the attack incident in Papua. For the families of the victims, the Minister handed over compensation and assistance to the heirs.

The handover of the assistance took place at the 2nd Marine Infantry Brigade in Sidoarjo, East Java, Thursday night. The victims who died were TNI soldiers who were on duty in Papua due to attacks by Unknown Persons (OTK) and Armed Criminal Groups (KKB). One civilian who died was the wife of one of the soldiers.

The Minister stated that the soldiers who died were warriors who had defended the motherland. "On behalf of the government, we offer our deepest condolences," she said while giving the compensation.

The Minister also invited the community to pray together, hoping that the families left behind will be given strength and for the injured victims to recover soon.

The Minister also motivates the bereaved families to not lose hope. She invited all parties not to be depressed by fear. The truth is, fear in a broader perspective can prevent a person from progressing and developing.

"Do not give up. Victims who are still sick should not be discouraged. I believe God will give the best for us," she said.

It is known that the victims died as a result of two attacks, namely the attack in Yalimo Regency and in Nduga Regency, Papua. Two soldiers were killed in the KKB attack in Kenyam District, Nduga Regency, Papua, Saturday (26/3), namely Posthumous First Lieutenant (Mar) Muhammad Ikbal and Posthumous Chief Soldier (Mar) Wilson Anderson Here.

Then in an attack by OTK on Thursday morning (31/3), in Elelim Village, Elelim District, Yalimo Regency, 1st sergeant Eka Andriyanto Hasugian and his wife, Sri Lestari, died. This husband and wife leave two children, namely Muh. Fino (4 years) and Elvano Putra Faezya (3 years) were injured in the attack.

MoSA handed over compensation to the heirs 1st Sergeant Eka of IDR 15,000,000 x 2 = IDR 30,000,000; assistance to fulfill family needs IDR 100,000,000 x 2 = IDR 200,000,000; food packages; package of children's games, bicycles, nutrition, pampers, children's clothing and certificates of appreciation.

Meanwhile, the heirs of the victims 1st Lieutenant (Mar) Muhammad Ikbal and Chief Soldier (Mar) Wilson, were each given assistance in the form of compensation for the heirs of IDR 15,000,000 x 1 = IDR 15,000,000; assistance to fulfill family needs of IDR 100,000,000 x 1 = IDR 100,000,000; food packages and award certificates.

The attack also resulted in 7 minor injuries and 3 serious injuries. The seriously injured victims were 2nd Sergeant (Mar) Rendi Febriansyah, 2nd Sergeant (Mar) Bayu Pratama and 1st Soldier (Mar) Adik Saputra who were hospitalized at dr. Soetomo Surabaya.

While minor injuries were 2nd Sergeant (Mar) Ebit Erisman Sikubu, 2nd Soldier (Mar) La Harmin and 2nd soldier (Mar) Alif Dwi Saputra who were being hospitalized at RSAL dr. Oetojo Sorong. Other minor injuries were treated at the Papua Mupe Task Force Kotis, namely 1st Soldier (Mar) Rahmad Sulman, 1st Soldier (Mar) Antonius Nino, 1st Soldier (Mar) Dekki Pandra and 2nd Soldier (Mar) Dicky Sugara.

MoSA provides assistance to victims of serious injuries, each worth IDR 5,000,000, while for victims of minor injuries it is IDR 2,500,000.

The Minister of Social Affairs asked all parties not to stop helping to promote the progress of Papua in her closing statement. "Let's join hands together and help our brothers in Papua. So that later they can feel like other parts of Indonesia. Rest assured that this struggle is sincerely helping the welfare of the residents to be conducive," she said.

To the family, the MoSA entrusts the care of children abandoned by their parents who died in the line of duty. The Minister asked the children to take care of their emotional and psychological development in the future.