By: Jeremiah Kogoya) *
Wamena’s situation after the riots has been conducive. Nevertheless, residents are advised not to easily trust the various hoaxes that are circulating.
Anarchist demonstrations due to hoaxes in Wamena on Monday (09/23) have harmed many parties. The demonstration was triggered by the news (hoax) of racialism from the teacher to the student in one of the high schools. This action was carried out as a form of solidarity but it was unfortunate that it had ended in destruction everywhere.
The events of the destruction included the burning of the regent’s building, public facilities to the houses of residents. PLN service institutions, shop houses, kiosks there are also reports related to one of the largest shopping centers with an investment of hundreds of millions also became a fury of demonstrators.
Wiranto as Menkopolhukam stated that if the motive was considered to have been infiltrated by separatist groups. Which one wants to draw attention when the moment of the UN General Assembly is being held in New York, United States. He also stated if he had found some evidence that the power did not necessarily occur, but there was a close connection with what was now happening in the US, namely the UN general assembly.
The Free Papua Movement wants to show its existence. They provoked friends in Papua and West Papua to make a move to highlight their existence. Wiranto also emphasized that the anarchist movement was detrimental to society and violated the law. The apparatus is certain to keep on trying to create security, and to call for citizens not to be provoked by actions that have political objectives. The implication, residents will avoid months of parties looking for profit.
Wiranto also explained that the authorities were finally able to reduce the turmoil. The atmosphere was declared conducive. Officials and the government are currently carrying out repairs, also rehabilitating residents’ homes and offices and other public services, which were damaged by the riots the other day. Regarding victims, a number of good treatments will be carried out. In addition, efforts to make peace and harmony back to normal are also intensively carried out.
Other good news came from Papua Regional Police Officers. He claimed that the situation in Wamena City, Jayawijaya Regency was gradually conducive, after the anarchist riot which ended up in chaos. Which is done by a number of middle and high school students in the local area.
The demonstration which was triggered by the teacher’s racist utterance towards students seemed to have been investigated to the relevant schools. And apparently it never happened. The initial incident was explained when a number of students in Wamena went to another school to demonstrate. Around 200 students are also residents. However, it seems that the schools invited did not respond, so resistance ensued. In fact, this demonstrator also did the same thing to other schools, including throwing.
Residents around were forced to flee, fears came when the masses raged and damaged everything that was nearby. It is known that around 3,000 residents took refuge, 1500 of whom were in the 170 Kodim area. TNI officers also built emergency kitchens and cooked materials available to meet food needs. The refugees set up tents in the Kodim field to shelter and sleep. Although considered conducive, the residents claimed they did not dare to go home. They are afraid that there will be further action.
It was further reported that the demonstrators had negotiations with the Jayawijaya Regent. However, this did not seem pleasing, because the arson attack was also still being thrown, including at the local regent’s office. Until now, officials in Wamena are identifying material and human losses that have not been obtained authentically.
It is appealed to the whole community, if peace, harmony and security are needed. Considering that this kind of situation is not desired by all parties, then let’s join in creating a safe, comfortable and conducive situation. Avoid hoax news that is not necessarily true. This aims to reduce the effects of provocation that previously resulted in this incident.
Finally, despite the name of solidarity, it seems that all parties should be able to filter out all positive and negative information. The aim is to avoid such incidents. Which has proven detrimental to many parties. This anarchist demonstration is considered as an act that is not commendable and not useful. Hopefully Wamena will return to the way it was before, and there will be no more similar incidents.
) * The writer is a Papuan student, living in Jakarta
