By: Jeremiah Gobay) *
Government actions to address racist perpetrators have been carried out. It is intended that there is a deterrent effect and the incident does not recur. The situation in Papua is also reported to have begun to be conducive, so that the community can carry out activities as before.
Decisive action of alleged racist suspects last week by President Jokowi was considered correct. Moreover, these racist actors cause many losses both material and spiritual. Although the racist perpetrators did not intervene directly, however, their movements through speeches were assisted by other media such as social media.
The use of electronic media seems to have been pushed aside. The wisdom of utilizing social media is now in the name of freedom of expression. Judging from any aspect of course there is no term freedom of expression that results in provoking the anger of other parties. Right?
It is analogous, through social media, the perpetrators of the tweet are then passed on to various users. Which will usually be added with various taglines that are feared to have a provocation narrative. Even though we don’t know whether the content is true or not. As an anticipatory step, as a good citizen must be selective in filtering a variety of news. So as not to fall into a fatal impact.
Determination of the perpetrators of racism has now increased, which means also increased calm will be the light of the problem. With the discovery of new suspects, it can at least suppress the widespread spread of the provocation narrative.
This new suspect named Veronika Koman, who claimed to be a human rights activist. He is keen to upload content from the Papua riots in which there is provocative speech. Causing clashes and riots led to destruction.
Although not in place at the time the incident took place, but the perpetrator is very active with his personal social media. Previously the demonstration in Papua was triggered by expressions of racial hatred towards Papuan students in Surabaya. What turns out until now the suspect continues to grow as the discovery of new evidence accompanying it.
In connection with this matter, President Joko Widodo asked the National Police to immediately take legal action against any party who commits racial and ethnic discrimination. Jokowi will also invite community leaders, traditional leaders and religious leaders of Papua and West Papua to discuss the acceleration of welfare improvement.
In an effort to avoid spreading hoaxes and provocation, the government is taking fast steps to slow down internet access, especially in Papua and West Papua. According to related parties, the Ministry of Communication and Informatics will slow down the process until the situation is back to normal.
If the conditions are normal and completely safe, the blocking of internet access will be immediately withdrawn. In addition, the government implements that demonstrations carried out in an orderly and peaceful manner will certainly not be prohibited. Even the police will offer escort and security as necessary to the action.
However, it needs to be underlined, especially for parties or perpetrators of provocation, incitement and other actions that are indicated as violating the law, including expressions of hatred then the authorities will not tolerate it. And take firm action against the perpetrators.
Which has been proven by the status of the demonstration field coordinator in the Papua student hostel in Surabaya as a suspect. Even with the investigation by military police Pomdam V / Brawijaya against army personnel who allegedly acted racist in handling the protests of Papuan students in Surabaya last week.
As a next step in safeguarding security at Bumi Cendrawasih, around 6,000 joint Indonesian National Police (TNI) troops from various regions in Indonesia were deployed, following the riot last week. The presence of thousands of officers was specifically intended to provide security guarantees to Papua. The linkage to the issue that continues to be diverged by groups of deviant in order to divide unity and unity in the land of Papua.
The deployment of the security forces is not to frighten the people of Papua. But more to the goal to join hands to achieve mutual security. The Chief of Police did not dismiss if some time ago public confidence in security had indeed declined. So with this troop jump, it is hoped that it will be able to restore that sense of trust. And he also stated that if there were deficiencies, corrections would be carried out jointly.
As the government’s duty to protect and provide security for all citizens, we can also participate. By supporting preventive measures to conducive the situation in Papua.
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Jakarta