A group that had crossed the Papuan border to join the Free Papua Movement (OPM) led by Daniel Kogoya in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have handed over three firearms to the Cenderawasih Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Christian Sebua at the Muara Tami district office in Jayapura.
The former separatists, who had lived along the borders between Indonesia and PNG, handed over an FN pistol and two double-barrelled shotguns, Cenderawasih spokesman Col. Jansen Simanjuntak told The Jakarta Post over the phone.
In addition to handing over the firearms, the group of 212 people had declared their loyalty to Indonesia and would return to Papua.
“Firearms handovers and allegiance statements have been made before and will continue,” he said.
He quoted Sebua as saying that anyone who wanted to return to Indonesia would be welcomed with open arms.
“The return of the border-crossers was made voluntarily without any promises. They realized that it is better to stay within Indonesia as the opponents have failed to make good on their promises while those staying within Indonesia have enjoyed development and progress,” Jansen said.