TNI orders air evacuation for OPM victim's widow in Papua

 Chief of the TNI Habema Joint Operations Command Brig. Gen. Riyanto ordered an air evacuation on Thursday for Sinta Bilolo, widow of Aris Sanda, who was killed by an armed OPM group, from Mbua to Wamena in Papua Highlands Province.

“We ordered the evacuation by air because ground transportation along the Mbua-Wamena route was disrupted,” Riyanto said in a written statement issued in Wamena

He said the evacuation was conducted to ensure Sinta could travel safely while ground access remained unavailable.

“From Mbua, Sinta and her two companions, Haryati and Murni, were evacuated by Bell and Fennec helicopters to Kenyam. They then continued to Wamena aboard a Caravan aircraft. The entire evacuation proceeded safely,” he said.

Riyanto said the assistance was provided on humanitarian and safety grounds to support the family’s journey.

“Sinta is grieving and needs a safe journey. With ground access unavailable, I ordered air evacuation assistance so she and her companions could reach Wamena safely. In such circumstances, safety and humanity must come first,” he said.

The commander stressed that geographical conditions and limited access should not prevent authorities from assisting people in need, saying the state must be present when communities need help most.