Soldiers’ behaviour in Kiunga not acceptable

THIS is serious concern on behalf of Kiunga residents about some of the actions and unaccepted activities promoted at the forward operating base (FOB) in Kiunga.
The purpose of this base is clearly abused by the so-called members of the disciplinary force who were sent here in the name of providing security along the border.
Almost on every weekend, there are discos, drunkenness, womanising and many other disorderly acts by the PNG Defence Force personnel.
The FOB has turned into a night club and a holiday camp for the soldiers.
It seems they are doing nothing but partying, relaxing and making money.
This is overtly a wastage of tax-payers money on a bunch of disorderly officers who seem to lack discipline and order.
Such activities and actions are also affecting our community in many ways.
Our young girls and married women and men are lured into unhealthy activities such a promiscuousness, prostitution and many other sexual immoralities.
At times, innocent people are brutally beaten up.
Such actions by members of the disciplined force is inappropriate and unacceptable from the public’s perspective.
Unfortunately, our provincial and district authorities are turning a blind eye on the seriousness of this issue.
During this time of the Covid-19, such activities should not be allowed.
We strongly recommend that the base camp be relocated more towards the boarder area so the army can do what they are supposed to do – to guard and protect the border by constant patrols and visits like the Indonesian army.
There are real border issues out there which our Government is overlooking while the Indonesian government is deploying five battalions on a regular basis to man their borders. It is a matter of national security.
Otherwise, remove the base from Kiunga as it is not serving its purpose but promoting more unacceptable social activities and a waste of tax payers’ money.
We appeal to the hierarchy of the PNG Defence Force to look into such actions by members of the disciplinary force in Kiunga FOB.
We hope the soldiers’ actions are not authorised by their superiors.

Concerned Citizen,
Kiunga