The Papuan Separatist and Terrorist Group (KST) is currently still active in causing chaos and creating threats to civil society, especially Indigenous Papuans (OAP). Security forces have taken firm action against KST Papua who often carry out criminal acts and violence against civilians. In addition, security forces are trying to uncover and arrest KST Papua members who are involved in attacks on civilians, security forces, murders, kidnappings and other activities.
Chairman of the People’s Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) said that his party would fully supports the government’s steps through the TNI and Polri to increase troops to enforce the law against the Papuan KST separatist movement.
Apart from deploying troops to narrow down the Papuan KST movement, President Joko Widodo has taken a welfare approach to advance the development and welfare of the Papuan people. Not only building road infrastructure, schools, health centers and other buildings, but also building the human spirit, namely building based on the values of the Papuan people.
His party also supports the government’s decision to categorize KST Papua and all organizations and people who are members of it and who support the movement as terrorists. Because it has caused a lot of harm to various parties and carried out terror and violence that resulted in casualties.
It is also important to continue to build dialogue with regional governments as well as traditional leaders, tribal leaders, religious leaders, youth leaders and various other Papuan community leaders. By prioritizing the magnanimity of each party, it is hoped that we can produce a comprehensive solution regarding the safe and peaceful future of the land of Papua.
Meanwhile, Papuan Traditional Leader, Herman Albert Yoku, said that his party condemns KST Papua’s actions to date, which are considered to have violated many human rights by killing civilians and disrupting community activities under the pretext of fighting for Papuan independence, even though not all Papuans want Papua to be independent. According to him, only a small number of people with personal interests use the symbol of Free Papua as a tool to fight the government. It is hoped that the Papuan people will not be provoked by what KST Papua has done so far. They are liars, because their efforts to date have had no results and have only been a waste of time and energy.
Apart from that, the Vice President (Wapres), Ma’ruf Amin, said that so far the government has taken two approaches in dealing with the conflict in Papua. First, the welfare approach is to provide affirmation to Papuans that the government is present. Through closer services to the Papuan people through new autonomous regions with developed provinces. So that the Papuan people can be more prosperous and able to compete with other regions.
Then, through a comprehensive security approach, the government is trying to reduce casualties from both security forces and civilians. Apart from that, a security approach was taken to suppress the space for KST Papua to move so as to prevent violence and acts of terror which could harm many people.
Accelerating Papua’s welfare development is one of the government’s focuses in encouraging equal distribution of prosperity and ensuring security in the Land of Papua. Several incidents of violence that occurred between KST Papua and security forces and civil society prompted the government to make special efforts to handle them.
For this reason, in dealing with KST Papua, the government is preparing strategic steps and law enforcement in the hope that the KST Papua issue can be handled well. Apart from that, the government is also actively holding dialogue with Papuan community groups to listen to their aspirations and needs. This dialogue is an important platform in formulating development policies and programs that are responsive to the interests of the Papuan people.
Until now, the existence of KST Papua has become a frightening terror for the Papuan people. They cannot carry out activities freely like ordinary citizens. At all times they must be alert to the appearance of KST Papua who could take hostages, injure or burn their houses.
KST has been the cause of chaos in Papua and they have not only been involved in attacks on security forces and civilians, but also carried out kidnappings and murders of activists. Therefore, law enforcement against this group should be supported by the community, so that they no longer disrupt peace in the Land of Papua. When they are declared a terrorist organization, they are subject to the terrorist law. Thus, if caught, you will face a minimum sentence of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in prison, depending on the mistake made.
The Indonesian government has committed to addressing the KST Papua conflict through a comprehensive approach, combining security and development. The government is also trying to create safe and supportive conditions for the Papuan people. The Papuan people must feel blessed by the various natural resources they have. So that they can live in peace and prosperity in their own land, no longer having to face KST Papua or various other forms of violence.
