The strategic decision was taken in response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, where tensions continue to rise.
General Agus Subiyanto emphasized that, in principle, Indonesia does not recognize the concept of mercenaries.
General Agus Subiyanto said that the heirs of fallen soldiers had also received compensation of more than Rp500 million each.
"I will meet the President to ask for permission and I will explain how important this (visit) is; not only for me but more importantly for the TNI and the Indonesian government," said General Andika Perkasa.
The Indonesian government and the National Military (TNI) agreed to employ a new approach to govern Papua and West Papua Provinces and to rid of the militarism approach.
President Joko Widodo installed new Army chief of staff General Dudung Abdurachman in the Presidential Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.
President Joko Widodo has nominated the current Army Chief of Staff, General Andika Perkasa, as the new Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander to the House of Representatives to replace Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjahjanto who will retire this month.
