By: Alfred Jigibalom )*
The separatist and terrorist group (KST) again attacked Papuan civilians on April 25, 2022. The community was furious at KST’s actions and supported Apkam’s firm action against the gang.
When Papua joined the Republic of Indonesia in 1969, there were a small number of people who did not agree. They did not believe in the results of the Ppepera (the determination of the people’s opinion) even though it was clear that the majority of the people wanted to become Indonesian citizens rather than being a Dutch colony. The elements eventually formed the OPM (Free Papua Organization) which had KST as an accomplice.
Since the New Order era until now, KST has promoted defection to all Papuans. Surprisingly, when they wanted to persuade the residents, they actually hurt the people on Earth of Cendrawasih. Like the incident on April 25, 2022, when KST attacked Samsul Sattu, a resident of Ilaga District, Puncak Regency. Samsul died even though he had been evacuated to the Ilaga Health Center.
The Head of Public Relations of the Papuan Police, Kombes Ahmad Musthofa Kamal, stated that his party had only received the report at 19:00 Eastern Indonesian time. Even though it happened at 16:30. The perpetrator is still being chased because after shooting he fled. According to witness statements, there were 2 KST members who came and one of them shot the victim in the right armpit. It is suspected that the perpetrator was a member of the Telenggen Numbuk group.
The community condemned the KST action because they shot civilians, who clearly did not have firearms to protect themselves. After all, this is not the first time this has happened. Previously, KST had killed Papuans who were teachers, students, and motorcycle taxi drivers. The reason is that they are suspected of being spies for the apparatus, even though they are just ordinary civilians.
The KST attack has crossed the line for killing innocent people. Therefore, they must be given decisive and measurable action so as not to repeat their actions. This action is indeed permissible because it is to prevent further crimes.
In addition to pursuing them, the Cartenz Peace Task Force Team carried out sweeps to remote and remote areas of Papua. The reason is because the KST headquarters was deliberately built in a hidden place so that the authorities would not find out. The public is also advised to report when they find out where the KST headquarters are so as to facilitate the pursuit.
When KST was arrested, the people were happy and no one defended them. The reason is because the residents themselves are tired of the existence of KST and they always make trouble. If this rebel group is captured, the situation on Earth of Cendrawasih will always be safe.
When the KST members were arrested by the Cartenz Peace Task Force team, they were taken away and brought to justice. The goal, of course, is to take responsibility for his actions. They can be subject to the Emergency Law Article 2 Paragraph 1 Number 12 of 1951 and the threat is 10 years in prison. They can also be sentenced to life imprisonment, even the death penalty, for premeditated murder.
Firmness with the threat of the heaviest punishment must indeed be carried out so that KST members give up and do not repeat their actions, and do not harm civil society. If any of its members are imprisoned, other KST personnel will be frightened because they do not want to be jailed for life. Hopefully they will surrender soon.
People are too angry with KST’s atrocities because this has been done repeatedly. In order for them to give up, of course, there needs to be firmness, both at the time of arrest and in court. KST must be eradicated from the roots so as not to endanger the safety of civilians.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students