Army gets artillery shells for Apec ceremonies

By CLIFFORD FAIPARIK
THE Indonesian military yesterday delivered a load of artillery shells to be used by the PNG Defence Force for ceremonial events during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Week next month.
An Indonesian military aircraft arrived at Jackson airport from Merauke in Papua Province with 63 crates containing 567 artillery shells. They were unloaded at the Defence Force Air Wing at the airport.
Ten Indonesian soldiers from their artillery unit will train PNG soldiers to use the shells.
Indonesian Ambassador Ronald Manik said the shells would be fired from cannons provided by Indonesia in 2007.
“The Indonesian soldiers have also begun their security operations along the PNG-Indonesian border to help provide security for PNG during Apec,” he said.
“Their border operations will wind up 14 days after Apec when all the international visitors have departed to their respective countries.
“We have also allowed parking spaces at Sentani airport along the border for international visitors to park their planes. And from there, they will travel to Port Moresby to attend the Apec.”
Manik said it was part of the assistance to PNG for Apec.
“During the Apec in Bali in 2013, the Indonesian Government supported PNG to host the 2018 Apec. And we are committed to ensure PNG host a successful Apec.”
He said Indonesia had provided assistance such as the three-week training programme on the use of small firearms for the members of the PNG police.
Indonesia also provided training for protocol staff of the Foreign Affairs Department.
Defence Force Chief Of Staff Colonel Philip Polewara said the Indonesian military had been of great help in the preparation for Apec security operations.