Keerom, Papua (ANTARA) - The Indonesian military personnel offered free medical services to the residents of Yuruf Kampong, Yaffi Sub-district, Keerom District, situated near the border of Papua Province and Papua New Guinea.

The Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) always cared for the improvement of the Papua people's health, Lt Col Ade Pribadi Siregar, commander of the border security task force of the TNI's Yonif 403/Wirasada Pratista, stated here on Wednesday.

"The TNI's task force personnel also advises the local people to always exercise and eat nutritious food, including fruits, for their health," he remarked.

In addition to offering medical treatment, the TNI personnel advocate the local people to follow a healthy lifestyle.

The medical services comprise health consultations, general medical treatments, and supplies of vitamins, anthelmintic, and face masks for elementary school students.

Elyana, 39, a resident of Yuruf Kampong, expressed gratitude with the free medical services offered by the TNI personnel.

"So far, gentlemen from the TNI are always present and routinely provide free medical services in our kampong. They remind us to always follow a healthy lifestyle," she remarked.

Meanwhile, Commander of the Joint Regional Defense Command (Kogabwilhan) III, Lt Gen. Agus Rohman noted that, religious, customary, and community leaders in Timika, Mimika District, have agreed that the presence of Indonesian military is necessary for Papua's development.

The meeting with local leaders was part of Rohman's agenda during his visit to Timika to review the progress in construction of the Kogabwilhan headquarters on Tuesday.

To meet the request of local residents, construction work on the Kogabwilhan headquarters and supporting facilities will be accelerated, Rohman noted, adding that the military headquarters were expected to be ready by August this year.

"Soon after completion, it can then be inaugurated. That is why, I hope its construction work would be accelerated," he affirmed.

During his visit, Rohman also observed a COVID-19 vaccination drive and swab testing at an army hospital in Timika, the capital of Mimika District. Related news: Military, Police Chiefs to meet displaced people in Timika, Papua
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