By : Nhoplent Gloria Kapayai )*
The Papuan Separatist Terrorist Group (KST) is still holding Susi Air Pilot Capt Philip Mark Mehtrenz. The security forces also carried out law enforcement operations in Yakuhimo Regency, Papua Mountains Province. As a result, two KST members died while a person with the initials AS was captured alive.
The security forces also managed to confiscate firearms, arrows and ammunition which they kept as evidence in the case. This arrest occurred not long after the shootout between security forces and KST led by Kopi Tua Heluka on August 1, 2023.
It is known that their headquarters in the forest area were ambushed the day after the group attacked the Brimob post in Dekai District, the regional capital. Gunfire also broke out until the situation became tense.
At first, there were no signs that the security forces would meet with KST in a forest area, not far from residential areas. However, the atmosphere changed, when from a distance it was seen that several people were walking towards the direction of the arrival of the TNI Polri soldiers.
Through binoculars, TNI Polri soldiers witnessed the movement of an unknown person who was caught on camera carrying a firearm. It was even witnessed how the movement of the person seemed to be worried when they ran into security forces.
Not long ago, TNI Polri soldiers found a location suspected to be the KST Papua headquarters. Apparently the movement of the KST member was heading for his hiding place in the middle of the Yakuhimo forest.
As if they didn’t want to waste the opportunity, KST members who realized they were running into security forces immediately opened fire. According to reports circulating, the shooting incident lasted for about an hour. The incident occurred when TNI Polri soldiers ambushed one of the KKB Papua hiding places in the Yakuhimo forest, Tuesday 1 August 2023.
In the shooting incident, it was reported that one of the Brimob members suffered a serious gunshot wound, he was immediately rushed to the hospital for medical treatment.
It seems that the time has come for KST to be eradicated, in order to create a safe and peaceful Papua. Moreover, KST has often spread terror and carried out brutal acts that endangered local residents. Even so, the eradication of KST in Papua certainly cannot be done without calculation. Not always violence can be done.
Threats and terror from KST seem to continue to overshadow civil society in Papua, moreover KST has also been involved in disturbances in public places such as markets, so this has made people afraid to carry out buying and selling activities. This of course cannot be left alone, because the wheel of the economy is vital.
So far the TNI has taken a humanist approach to the KKB and its sympathizers, but this approach must still require firmness and a vigilant attitude. The existence of KST in Papua with all its heinous actions so far has certainly created an endless sense of fear for the people of Papua. It is not wrong for Papuans to become inflamed and express their jealousy towards their compatriots and fellow countrymen in other areas who are allowed to enjoy the dynamics of normal life without fear from the sudden attack from KST.
KST often hides behind human rights when the security forces carry out their duties, but in reality KST also has weapons that are often used to threaten the innocent Papuan people. The existence of KST is like a parasite that destroys the sense of unity that has been formed. They continuously campaigned for independence but it turned out that they were only being used by the interests of a handful of people.
Previously, KST had claimed that his group had the support of the Papuan people. However, this was denied by Pdt. Jupinus Wama. According to him, it is a big mistake if KST is loved by the people. Due to the fact that KST actually terrorized not only civilians, but also launched attacks on security forces.
Even the KST itself had expelled the Papuan population just because they did not want to support KST and raised a flag with the morning star logo. Of course, what KST is doing really doesn’t deserve to be called a struggle. Because the struggle is not carried out by threatening civilians.
If all this time KST has stated that they are struggling to release Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, this action has in fact only made the public feel angry because the group can only cause trouble. The destruction of public facilities, the burning of airplanes and the hostage-taking of pilot Susi Air Capt Philips are actions which in no way reflect the struggle.
Of course, the security forces on duty in Papua deserve appreciation, considering that the task they carry out is not easy. Security forces, both TNI and Polri, must remain alert and alert to sudden attacks by KST. The Papuan people must also feel safe in carrying out all their activities.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Kupang