By: Alfred Jigibalom )*
The government is trying hard to develop Papua by making infrastructure that makes people’s lives easier. So that there is no gap between Papua and Java. In addition, the government is also taking KST seriously. The goal is to keep the people of Cendrawasih Earth safe from their attacks.
Papua is an area that holds enormous potential, ranging from the wealth of mining products, agricultural products, to natural beauty. But unfortunately the situation there is still synonymous with a very remote area. The reason is that during the New Order era there was no regional autonomy, so everything became Jakarta-centric and Java-centric.
To overcome this problem, the government since the reform era has tried to build Papua to be more advanced. Since 2001 there has been a special autonomy program, so that they can be more modern, and various infrastructures such as Sentani International Airport and Youtefa Bridge have been built. In 2021 the Special Autonomy will be extended again because this program is very beneficial for the progress of Papua.
The Papuan people are very happy because in the era of President Jokowi, development in Papua is even more intensified. What is considered is not only physical development, but also mental and intelligence. Papuan children are given quality school buildings and scholarships up to university, so that they can achieve their dreams of obtaining useful knowledge. Automatically when you become a graduate, your standard of living can improve.
In addition, Papua is also used as the venue for the 20th national sports week. So there are many venues such as the aquatic arena and Istora Papua Bangkit, which have just been handed over to KONI Papua. After PON ends, istora can be used as a venue for concerts or other events, so that it can improve the economy in Cendrawasih Earth.
The government also pays attention to the Papuan people in terms of security, because there are still disturbances from the separatist and terrorist groups (KST) – formerly known as KKB. They are claimed as a terrorist organization because they continue to terrorize the people and continue to disturb them. KST continues to be hunted because his actions have crossed the line, by killing innocent civilians.
The Nemangkawi Task Force, which consists of a combination of TNI and Polri soldiers, continues to hunt KST members, especially those who are DPOs. For example, Sabius Walker and Lekagak Telenggen. The Head of the Nemangkawi Public Relations Task Force, Kombes Pol. Iqbal Alqudussy, stated that from 12 May to 12 June 2021, the Task Force managed to arrest 15 KKB members.
This achievement is very good because the position of KST is getting more pressing. One of their headquarters in Puncak Regency has been invaded, and will be followed by a search for the next headquarters. Therefore, the Nemangkawi Task Force was extended its term of office. The community also agreed, because they felt very grateful, because thanks to the Task Force, life became safer.
To support the Nemangkawi Task Force, 400 TNI soldiers from the 315th/Garuda Infantry Battalion were dispatched to Papua, June 12, 2021. The goal is to help secure the Earth of Cendrawasih, especially in the Merauke, Asmat, and Mimika districts.
Although the three areas are not as vulnerable as in Puncak Regency, the presence of soldiers is still expected. Because KST troops work in a guerrilla way, there is a possibility that they suddenly attack in Mimika or other areas. The safety of the people is more important, therefore the soldiers work hard for the safety of the civilians.
The presence of TNI troops in Papua is welcomed because the community understands that they want to create a safe atmosphere without attacks from armed separatist groups. In addition, the community is also happy because the current situation on Earth of Cendrawasih is progressing, thanks to the special autonomy program that builds various infrastructures and advances the intellectual progress of the people in Papua.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Bali