PM: No indication to step up operations on border

PRIME Minister James Marape told Parliament there was no indication at this stage for the Government to step up operations on the border of West Papua.
Marape was responding to questions by Vanimo-Green MP Belden Namah on the situation in Indonesia and the safety of the people along the border that said PNG was not in red alert.
“We are not yet in red alert, matters happening in Indonesian remains in their borders,” he said.
“Within the context of our operations whether its police or defence operations in the borders continue to remain as it has been, need be for us to step up we will be called to do so.”
Marape said if there was indication for PNG to step up operation in its borders the government would immediately respond.
“Foremost, the safety of our people and as we step up those operations, if people come on this side we will protect them, we will take care of them,” he said.
“But at the moment as I speak there is no refugees coming across Vanimo-Green or into Telefomin to North-Fly, South-Fly or Middle-Fly and we are monitoring the situation very well.”
Marape said the government is entertaining those traditional border crossers but there was not one refugee that has crossed over.
“We are keeping our watch over what is happening on the other side very carefully if the situation warrants for it to be given extra care we will put police and defence on the first flight.”