Poso, Central Sulawesi, (antarasulteng.com) - The TNI (military) is striving to remove the stigma of Poso as a region of violent cases, Chief of the 7th/Wirabuana Military Command Major General Agus Surya Bhakti said.
Efforts would be made to create jobs, clear land for agriculture and build roads and bridges for the purpose, he said here Saturday at a meeting with local figures at the village of Tabalu, Poso Pesisir.
The military would also help farmers with hand tractors and good seeds, and also guide them from planting to harvest, he said.
At the event also attended by head of Poso district Darmin Sigilipu and local religious figures, Major General Agus said that the territorial operation program was solely aimed at improving the condition of the people as well as the reputation of Poso before the world.
"We will improve the condition of the people through farming and extension of assistance," he said.
In the operation carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture, a total of 3 thousand hectares of rice fields would be created, bridges rehabilitated, economic access and decent homes developed, and an irrigation network built, while farmers would be guided from the planting to the harvest seasons, he said.
The operation was not connected with the current Tinombala operation aimed at arresting militant group members in Poso, currently being carried out by thousands of military and police personnel, he said.
A security network could also be created through improvement of people`s welfare, Major General Agus said.
Stigma Of Poso As Violent Region Must Be Removed: Military
Pangdam VII/Wirabuana Mayjen TNI Agus Surya Bakti menyerahkan sembako kepada warga desa di Poso, Sabtu (4/6). (Antarasulteng.com/Feri)
