Jayapura, Papua, March 3 -- The Indonesian military and police (TNI-Polri) in Papua are prepared to take firm action against members and supporters of armed criminal groups (KKB) who threaten public security, a senior commander said Tuesday.

Brigadier General Thevi Zebua, chief of staff of the Military Regional Command XVII Cendrawasih, said the measures aim to protect communities and demonstrate state presence in the region.

Speaking during a leadership meeting at Kodam XVII Cendrawasih headquarters in Jayapura, Thevi cited a recent increase in security incidents, prompting joint operations with task forces including Satgas Habema and Satgas Operasi Damai Cartenz.

He confirmed combined TNI-Polri teams are targeting KKB in areas such a...