Inp.polri.go.id - Sentani.   The Damai Cartenz Peace Task Force  2023, in cooperation with the Papua Regional Police stepped up security measures in nine operational areas identified as hotspots for criminal activities by armed criminal groups (KKB). Superintendent  Bayu Suseno, the Head of Public Relations for the Task Force , said on Thursday(30/11/2023) that they were conducting early detection and intensive patrols in the nine areas, antaranews.com reported. "We are conducting early detection and intensive patrols, which have been going on for a week, to anticipate any security breaches in the nine Cartenz peace operation areas," he said. According to the spokesperson, the joint military-police team focused on securing these nine areas to prevent security disturbances from groups seeking separation from the Republic of Indonesia while the Papua Police increased the presence of their personnel in other areas. He went on to say that the security and public orde situation in the nine operational areas was currently relatively stable, calling on the public would remain calm until Friday, although there were movements trying to disrupt the conditions of public order and security in Papua. Friday marked the anniversary of the Free Papua Movement. "We hope that the public will not be influenced by provocative issues or calls from KKB and will continue to maintain public order in their respective regions," Chief Bayu said, Meanwhile, Papua Regional Police  Head of Public Relations Department Senior Commissioner Ignatius Beny said a combined military and police force was on alert at 13 security points ahead of the anniversary of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). (mg/inp/pr/nm)