JAKARTA. The Indonesian authorities have decided to open the Skouw Wutung border area between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea (PNG) despite a recent shooting incident allegedly conducted by a group of insurgents, an official said.

“We will pursue the assailants while the border gate will be opened,” Cendrawasih Military Command spokesman Lt. Col. Rikas Hidayatulah said on Wednesday.

He said a civilian by the name of Hery had been shot on his way to a traditional market located near the border area. Hery is being treated at Bhayangkara Police Hospital.

“A team of soldiers has been deployed to pursue the assailants,” Rikas said.

The border area was closed on April 6 following a shooting incident involving insurgents reportedly led by Mathias Wenda a day before. The incident left Jayapura Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Albert Papare and a soldier by the name of chief Sgt. Tugino injured.

Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Tito Karnavian said a joint team comprising police personnel and soldiers had been deployed to pursue the insurgents who had fled into PNG territory.(dic)

Editor: Asnil Amri