West Papua to get new Kodam
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Archipelago | Tue, April 07 2015, 8:28 PM

The construction of the headquarters of a new military command (Kodam) in West Papua is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih chief Maj. Gen. Fransen G. Siahaan said on Tuesday.

The new Kodam headquarters is located in Manokwari, the provincial capital of West Papua.

Currently Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih oversees both West Papua and Papua provinces.

Fransen said the new Kodam would be named Kodam XVIII/Kasuari, adding that a native Papuan was expected to become the first Kodam commander.

"Currently there are two Papuans who hold the rank of general and one colonel," he said as quoted by Antara news agency.

According to Fransen, Brig. Gen. Ones Wayangkau is currently the chief of staff of Kodam V/Brawijaya in Surabaya, East Java; Brig. Gen. Herman Asaribab is deputy commander of the Army's Infantry Warfare Center (Pussenif) in Bandung, West Jakarta; and Col. Hamdan Ali Bogra is still studying at the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas) in Jakarta.

Fransen added that he had not only prepared the physical infrastructure but also the personnel who would be posted at the new Kodam.

He said the Kodam XVIII/Kasuari would oversee two military regional commands(Korem): Korem 171/Praja Vira Tama headquartered in Sorong and Korem 173/Praja Vira Braja headquartered in Biak, Papua.

The new headquarters is being built on an area of 60 hectares, which houses Rifle companies C and D of the 752nd Vira Yudha Sakti Infantry Battalion. The companies will be relocated to Warmare district, Manokwari regency, West Papua. (nvn)(++++)
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