By: Maretha Wanimbo)*
The massacre of dozens of gold miners in Yahukimo, Papua Mountains, once again shows the unjustifiable cruelty of the armed separatist group, the West Papua National Liberation Army – Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM). This planned action that took the lives of civilians is a serious violation of humanitarian values and human rights. Within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), there is no room for violence and acts of terror in the name of separatist ideology.
The government’s steps through a security and development approach in Papua have taken place simultaneously, reflecting the presence of the state in protecting all its citizens. The cruelty of the TPNPB-OPM against people who seek a living peacefully must be condemned as a barbaric act that is contrary to the principles of civilization and humanity. The narrative built by this group to justify violence, such as accusations that the victims were members of the military, has been firmly denied.
Head of the TNI Information Center, Brigadier General Kristomei Sianturi, explained that armed separatist groups deliberately spread hoaxes to cover up the human rights violations they committed. He emphasized that the victims of the murders were civilians, not soldiers in disguise. This statement was also supported by the Commander of the 1715/Yahukimo Kodim, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Tommy Yudistyo, who stated that there were no TNI members among the victims. This clarification is important so that there is no disinformation that worsens the security situation in Papua.
The government’s commitment to maintaining the safety of the people continues to be demonstrated in concrete terms. Through law enforcement and strengthening security in vulnerable areas, the state ensures that all activities of Papuan citizens, including economic activities such as gold panning, can take place safely. The state is present to guarantee a peaceful and dignified life for every citizen.
A firm stance also came from parliament. The Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, stated that violence by separatist groups can no longer be normalized. Her statement emphasized that the state must not remain silent in the face of repeated crimes against humanity. Attacks on civilians not only violate the sense of security, but also show that armed separatist groups have lost their direction in their struggle.
The government’s approach is not solely using military force, but also includes social and cultural elements. The government involves traditional, religious, academic, and civil society figures in developing a comprehensive strategy to create peace in Papua. This effort reflects Indonesia’s commitment to prioritizing dialogical, just, and humane solutions, which are in line with the principles of sustainable development.
The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Atnike Nova Sigiro, also voiced that attacks on civilians cannot be justified for any reason. The National Human Rights Commission also encouraged effective law enforcement against perpetrators and asked the government to guarantee protection for citizens’ socio-economic activities. This statement is in line with the government’s spirit in upholding human rights in every security policy and step.
The Coordinator of the National Human Rights Enforcement Subcommission of the National Human Rights Commission, Uli Parulian Sihombing, reinforced the statement that violations against civilians cannot be tolerated. In a state of law, all brutal actions must be accounted for through a fair and transparent mechanism. The government also continues to show seriousness in ensuring that the legal process runs according to the principles of justice.
Meanwhile, from the legislative side, Member of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Amelia Anggraini, assessed the actions of the KKB in Yahukimo as a violation of humanitarian values. She highlighted the importance of optimizing the use of technology in security operations in order to continue to protect civilians. This proposal reflects the synergy between technology and human rights protection which is part of a modern approach in national defense policy.
The government also continues to develop anticipatory strategies through logistics blockades and surveillance in strategic areas to break the supply chain of armed groups. Law enforcement is carried out selectively and measuredly, ensuring that the steps taken do not sacrifice civilians.
Intelligence and Security Analyst, Ngasiman Djoyonegoro, assessed that the killing of civilians by the TPNPB-OPM was a form of gross human rights violation. He reminded that non-state actors are also obliged to respect human rights. Repeated acts of violence only show that separatist groups have no commitment to humanitarian values. The Indonesian government, on the other hand, continues to show its commitment to developing Papua comprehensively and peacefully.
Development programs that have been implemented s