Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Indonesian Army looks to establish third Kostrad division in Papua

Posted at 01:05 on 14 September, 2007 UTC

The Indonesian Army, the TNI, has proposed a third infantry division for their Strategic Reserves Command, or Kostrad, in Papua.

The Jakarta Post says the TNI wants to see more guards made available to patrol Papua border areas and other so-called conflict-prone regions.

But the TNI needs more financial assistance from the government before its proposal can be realised.

The TNI Chief of Staff General Djoko Santoso says the third infantry division of Kostrad is expected to be established in Papua by 2014.

General Santoso says Indonesia needs a strong armed forces to maintain the unity of Indonesia.