Inp.polri.go.id - Jayapura. Inspector General Mathius Fakhiri, the Chief of Papua Regional Police, has urged Papuan community leaders, customary chiefs, and religious figures to encourage young people to pursue careers as non-commissioned police officers. The Indonesian National Police (INP) has announced its plan to recruit 2,000 young Papuans as Non-Commissioned Officers, locally known as Bintara, to serve in local police offices. The recruitment campaign will target youths from four provinces in Papua, as reported by antaranews.com. "We urge community leaders, customary chiefs, and religious figures to encourage young people who aspire to join the Police Force," he said on Friday (29/3/2024). Chief Fakhiri emphasized the importance of preparing indigenous Papuan youth or those raised in the region for police service, as they will receive priority consideration. "These recruits will undergo training and education before being stationed in precincts within newly established autonomous regions such as Papua Mountains, Central Papua, and South Papua," he explained. Another objective is to reduce officer turnover by ensuring they remain in Papua after completing their service, thereby maintaining the strength of the police force in the region, Chief Fakhiri said. While acknowledging that the police-to-population ratio is adequate, he highlighted the challenges posed by Papua's vast territory, necessitating additional personnel. The recruitment process is slated to begin in April, with all expenses covered by the INP Headquarters. Training will be conducted at facilities in Java before deployment to offices in Papua. (mg/inp/pr/nm)