By: Alfa )*
The riots in Papua and West Papua on August 19, 2019 triggered by alleged racism towards Papuan students, had been seriously handled by the Security Apparatus. After the incident, Kodam V immediately investigated six members who were allegedly involved in the siege of the Papuan student dormitory in Surabaya, on Saturday, August 17, 2019. These six people were suspected of racist shouting in the incident. According to the Regional Military Commander V Brawijaya, Major General Wisnu Prasteya Budi, they have examined members of the TNI since the viral siege video.
The chronology of the riots in Papua began with reports that Papuan students were suspected of insulting the Red and White flag. This was followed by the siege of a student dormitory from Papua in Surabaya.
So the authorities finally herded the 43 students who allegedly insulted the Red and White flag. In response to this, the Mayor of Surabaya, Tri Rismaharini expressly denied that he would expel the Papuan student. He said he was in the middle of securing an investigation into the case.
With respect Tri Rismaharini apologizes if there is indeed a mistake. However, he still did not intend to expel. He even said that he often included Papuan students in various activities. The people of Surabaya are very open about the presence of the people of Papua.
In addition, it is suspected that there was interference from the TNI which was considered to have made the atmosphere worse. The racist act allegedly committed by the five members of the TNI was also justified by the Chief of Staff of the Kodam V / Brawijaya Brigadier General Bambang Ismawan. However, it has claimed if it is suspected has been acted upon. Bambang Ismawan stated that the punishment could be in the form of dismissal or other positions. This can be based on the culprit’s mistakes.
It continues to develop investigations. related to this racial act. He also revealed there was no intention to cover up the case. According to the testimony of TNI witnesses racial perpetrators served in the East Surabaya area. Thus, investigations into this area continue to be deepened in order to obtain valid data.
Investigations about videos containing racial action are also being developed. The public is requested to be patient because it takes time so that there are no mistakes in handling this case. Considering this case is very vulnerable.
Things like this are considered very critical, because it is feared to be able to cause even greater effects. In fact, many racist issues are used for other political factors. By piggybacking on the issue as a manifestation of personal or group interests.
Once again, people are asked to be patient and not easily provoked. Papua remains a NKRI country. And there is no intention to discriminate against him. There may be misunderstandings which are then used by certain individuals to reignite conflicts that have subsided.
Although the gap of various factors between one city to another is often a classic problem. But the government and all elements of the state apparatus try to continue to act fairly and wisely. Just called the multicultural country, which consists of various ethnic groups, races, religions, economic backgrounds and others. There will just be things like this that if not anticipated will cause division.
Homeland is not just one or two pairs of eyes, heart and mind. But the manifestation of a whole is the uniqueness of people who are willing to be a part of it. Being a better person and being sensitive to the environment seems to be one way to create tolerance. Avoiding hate speech as well as sentences and provocative actions that are considered harmful is very important.
Try to remember when our first President of the Republic of Indonesia tried to defend West Papua. We did not directly experience this, right? But that does not mean maintaining the unity of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia is a trivial and easy thing to do. In fact lately various issues related to Papua began to dominate. From racial issues to the onset of troubles which ended with independence requests.
From here we should be able to take lessons. To continue to remain open in positive terms and be alert to all negative possibilities. Finally, we all hope that by taking firm action for these alleged TNI personnel, they will be able to restore the situation as they should. Also reduce various issues that can be started from yourself. Not necessarily continuing various news that is not yet known the truth. Because various opinions which of course does not make things worse, right? Papua will remain a part of the Republic of Indonesia until whenever. Being an irreplaceable component with all its uniqueness. Homeland price is dead, Papua remains one body with Homeland!
)* The writer is a Papuan student, living in Jakarta