Watch Out for Scenarios of Papuan Separatist Groups Making Riots in Wamena
By: Abner Wanggai) *
The riots broke out in Wamena and claimed lives. The riots were allegedly carried out by separatists who always wanted the people to continue fighting. Now Wamena is gradually conducive and the security forces continue to commit to arresting the perpetrators of the riots.
The riots that occurred in Wamena a few weeks ago seized the public’s attention.
The situation that was originally safe and peaceful, in an uproar due to the news of the riots that led to anarchist actions. Until resulting in thousands of residents had to evacuate. The shopping center suffered losses, residents’ homes were burned, and economic stretching was paralyzed. Until the most severe there are elements of OPM. Which is said to be acting blindly and brutally.
New news said that the residents of Wamena suspected that the rioters were from outside the area. This was revealed by the refugees who had been rescued by other residents and hidden inside the house. He was able to save himself as a result of the riots, apparently also a native of Wamena.
He was ordered by his neighbors to hide in a rented house until security forces came and evacuated him. Which was then taken to Jayawijaya Regional Police Station, Wamena. He was suspicious if the rioters were not native to Wamena. Because many of them dazzle school uniforms, but look too small on their bodies. In addition, their faces were covered with beards or heavy beards.
He denied if the perpetrators were school children, because of how students might have a bearded appearance. Because he had almost inhabited the Wamena region 20 years ago. The same thing also expressed by other residents. He claimed to have been saved by neighbors too, so that he himself and his wife and children who were pregnant could survive. He claimed if the rented house had been burned by the masses.
There is also a claim that he was secured and evacuated into the Baptist church in Pikey with 300 other refugees. They said if the rescuers who rescued them admitted if the rioters were suspected residents outside Wamena. Jayawijaya Police Chief AKBP Tonny Ananda said the rioters were thought to be from the West Papua National Committee (KNPB). They infiltrated using high school uniforms into PGRI student groups. They set fire to a number of buildings, including the regent’s office in Wamena.
Separatist groups always want riots and generally attack at night. They were also anarchists and the Police had exchanged fire with the separatist group on Jalan Irian. Earlier, Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security Wiranto said there were instructions from Papuan separatist leader Benny Wenda behind the riots in Wamena, Papua. Benny instructed armed criminal groups (KKB) to attack migrant communities in Wamena.
Meanwhile Major General Herman Asaribab as Commander of Military Region XVII / Cenderawasih, reviewed the location and helped to suppress the hoax news which was considered to trigger further incidents in Wamena. Maj. Gen. Herman came with the leaders of the Nusantara Tribe Community. He invited the community to be more wise in accepting and responding to incidents and hoaxes that occurred in Papua.
He also asked the public to entrust the case that was happening to Papua to the government. The native Papuan son hopes the community to maintain the unity and integrity of the Indonesian people. He added that the evacuation process for refugees must be in accordance with procedures. Considering the plane’s cargo for transporting victims is only known by the aviation authorities. So, entrust everything to the authorities.
Reportedly, previously the shelter points used for refuge were, the Military District Command, Mapolres Building, as well as several local area places of worship. In order to cope with the traumatic impact on victims, the Papua Regional Police held a healing event (trauma healing) especially for refugee children. The event took place in the YPPK Santo Stevanus Elementary School, Wouma Village, Wamena area. This was conveyed by the Commissioner of Pol AM Kamal, as the Head of the Papua Regional Police Public Relations in Jayapura City.
The activity was attended by around one hundred children who were suspected of living in the Wouma village area, Wamena. A warm welcome emanated when the trauma healing team arrived. Their enthusiasm began to be seen when many games were given including storytelling, singing, drawing and coloring. The event also gave an appreciation of the distribution of gifts.
One resident claimed that the conditions were indeed not safe and comfortable. However, anxiety disappeared when the Polda team visited the area. He and also other residents look calm and feel safe. They revealed that now they can carry out activities as usual because of the security provided by the Papua Regional Police Team and Jayawijaya Regional Police. Furthermore, they hope that the activities which are considered to be short enough will be able to make children able to return to school, and be as enthusiastic as ever. So they will be able to go back to living normal children’s lives as before, playing without fear due to the incident that has befallen them.
Although it is suspected that the perpetrators are from outside the Wamena area, shouldn’t they live together on the Earth of Paradise, maintaining harmony with one another, security also creating a conducive situation? Instead of creating chaos, spreading hoaxes here and there accompanied by acts of brutal anarchism. The hope is that the security forces will soon be able to catch the rioters who threaten and disturb the residents. So that the whole community will live in peace as before.
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Jakarta
