VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian military (TNI) has readied a Hercules plane to transport Jayapura residents keen on returning home to Wamena to ring in Christmas.

"It is true that we have readied a TNI AU (Indonesian Air Force) Hercules plane to transport residents keen to celebrate Christmas in Wamena," Commander of the Silas Papare Air Base Commodore Budhi Achmadi stated here on Wednesday.

The air transport assistance was a response to a request put forth by Chief of the Interreligious Harmony Communication Forum (FKUB) of the Papua Chapter Priest Lipius Binilux to TNI Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto.

The Hercules plane began transporting Wamena-bound travelers free of charge on Wednesday.

Owing of the limited capacity, the plane only transported residents, who have received a recommendation from the FKUB. The residents are mandated to follow health protocols by securing a COVID-19-free certificate.

"The CC-130 Hercules plane has been readied to transport the residents. In total, the plane will fly from Jayapura to Wamena six times until Thursday.

Chief of FKUB for Papua Lipius Binilux lauded the assistance that enabled the residents to celebrate Christmas in their hometown.

"I express gratitude and appreciation for the assistance that helps reduce the burden of residents wishing to celebrate Christmas along with their families," he added. (Antaranews)