By: Sabby Kosay) *
The case of the resignation of the Deputy Regent of Nduga Wentius Nemiangge is suspected of being politically charged. He is considered to support the separatist movement because he demands the withdrawal of military / police personnel from conflict areas. Whereas as a public official, he must be able to support the existence of the state security forces that have the legality to protect citizens.
Possible feelings of failure, shame and disappointment include Deputy Regent Wentius Nimiangge, who then chose to leave office. This is allegedly due to an incident that claimed victims in his area, namely Hendrik Lokbere. But there are other indications of his resignation. Namely, his support for the separatist group which had long inhabited Nduga as a native. This was reflected when he asked the TNI / Polri apparatus to immediately be withdrawn from the conflict area, Nduga. If the apparatus is withdrawn, how is the security there? Considering Nduga is one of the areas where separatist groups are entrenched.
Wentius revealed the steps he took were as a form of protest and expression of disappointment because there were citizens who were shot dead. Contacted separately, the Head of the Ministry of Home Affairs Bahtiar had heard the news of the resignation. However, he was reluctant to comment on Wentius’ resignation. In front of hundreds of residents of the Nduga community who were gathering at Kenyam Airport, Wentius stated that he resigned from his position, namely the deputy regent.
He said, if it had been like this for a year, his side had already approached the minister, the House of Representatives, the TNI Commander, and also the National Police Chief to ask the troops in Nduga to be withdrawn so that the community would resume normal activities as usual. He considered his request was not responded. In fact, shootings against civilians continue. The Head of the Ministry of Home Affairs Information Center, Bahtiar, admitted that he immediately checked with the Governor of Papua as the governor of the regency or city level.
Member of Parliament from Nduga, Laurenzus Kadepa confirmed Wentius’s statement, he declared Wentius’s resignation as a protest over military operations that occurred there because many claimed the lives of residents.
On the other hand, DPR Commission I Member, Sukamta, added that military operations in Papua did not provide a solution, but instead made the cycle of violence continue. He added, the polemic in Papua needed an economic approach to governance. Military operations are considered to lead to antipathy and continued violence between fellow citizens or the authorities.
Previously, Kodam XVII Cendrawasih had also sent a team to the Kenyam District, Nduga, Papua, to investigate the shooting case that killed Hendrik. And just waiting for the results of an investigation conducted by a team led by Asintel Kasdam XVII Cenderawasih, added Kasdam XVII Cenderawasih Brigadier General Irham Wairohan a few days ago. Irham was also reluctant to explain further related to the chronology that killed Hendrik. It was also stated that Wentius was unable to see many civilians who were victims of violence or murder.
Not dismissing the polemic Nduga has been prolonged. Even starting in 1996, there were many reports of chaos due to the KKSB and OPM. Chances are, this separatist organization is deliberately creating chaos and pitting sheep between civilians, government officials and the state. Given, the separatist group also did not hesitate to make citizens as victims for the smooth running of the action. Or can it also collaborate with the deputy district head to force the government to revoke the TNI / Polri apparatus in order to smooth their actions?
Many reports related to violence and even killings carried out by separatists. The deployment of the security forces should function to protect and arrest separatist groups. However, on the other hand, many civilians who were victims when the conflict with the KKSB or OPM was underway. But that does not mean the Vice Regent has to wash his hands to resign as a pretext for concern, it is not synchronous at all, right?
It seems that this condition is what they want (separatist groups). By pitting the civilians and their state apparatus they are free to raise the issue of human rights violations as did the OPM frontman, Benny Wenda to the United Nations some time ago. Although Benny’s efforts failed, it did not mean he failed to continue his struggle. In fact, a number of reports, he is still keen to voice Papuan independence and ask for support from the international community. Isn’t this very concerning?
When most of the people of Bumi Cendrawasih declared themselves to join the Republic of Indonesia, because they felt safe, comfortable and peaceful. However, the Papua polemic is still ongoing, so that makes everything feel lame. Therefore the support of all citizens to create security is needed. Including strengthening unity and unity. Because these separatist elements are eyeing divisions and fighting sheep. So that they will easily take Papua away.
Regarding the resignation of Wentius Nimiangge, this is very unfortunate. Because, the Papua regional government should protect the citizens by supporting the existence of the TNI or Polri and rejecting the OPM who possess illegal weapons. Instead of resigning from office. Isn’t the leader obliged to advance as the front guard when the people become victims?
Indeed, solving a problem is not as easy as turning the palm of the hand. But if the leader just surrenders how the fate of its citizens? Whereas this leader not only serves as an example of the community, but also reflects the region itself, namely to what extent do they participate in fighting and supporting government efforts in eradicating Papuan separatist groups, or do there actually be other political interests that they want to achieve?
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta