Appreciation of Security Forces’ Steps to Evacuate Residents from the KST Papua Attack
By : Alvaro Hukubun )*
A number of parties appreciated the steps taken by the TNI Joint Team in successfully evacuating residents who escaped the heinous actions of KST Papua who were acting up again in Kali Ei, Yahukimo Regency. The security forces are considered successful in dealing with attacks and threats that are always carried out by Papuan KST members against the Papuan people.
Currently, the brutality of the Papuan Separatist Terrorist Group (KST) has occurred again, causing seven people to die and 11 other victims to be injured. In this incident, the joint team led by Major HR from the Marine Battalion 7 Task Force and Kodim 1715/YHK under the control of the Yonmar 7 Task Force succeeded in evacuating the community by moving quickly to secure the area and carrying out pursuits and combing the situation and conditions in the Kali Ei area.
Head of the Cartenz Peace Public Relations Task Force, AKBP Bayu Suseno, was saddened to see the condition of the victims who died. The 7 dead victims who were successfully evacuated were shot, arrowed, axed and had large stones thrown at their heads.
Furthermore, Bayu Suseno said that his party would thoroughly investigate and enforce the law against the perpetrators. This attack not only threatened the security of local residents but also caused fear and worry among the community. However, in facing this challenge, local security forces have shown extraordinary dedication and courage in protecting residents from the threat of KST Papua.
Then, in handling this incident, the Head of the National Armed Forces Headquarters, Admiral TNI Julius Widjojono, said that at the time of the incident, joint TNI-Polri personnel immediately went to the Kali E and Kali Kuk areas to ensure the whereabouts of the community and succeeded in evacuating 21 residents in Kali Ei. Their actions reflect dedication and commitment to protecting the security and sustainability of society.
The Joint TNI Team has succeeded in monitoring the movement of KST Papua with approximately 20 KST Papua members carrying out this action. He continued, Julius Widjojono emphasized that dozens of KST Papua troops were carrying five weapons. In detail, two organic weapons of the Sniper and SS1 types, and three homemade weapons.
From the results of the evacuation, the Joint TNI-Polri Team tried to continue moving to carry out the pursuit in the direction where the Papuan KST appeared, but the Papuan KST members moved away towards the heights/mountains, the TNI-Polri continued to move. The TNI will always help the community and continue to create a sense of security in the Papua region.
The Head of the TNI Penuspen said that the TNI would always help the community and continue to create a sense of security in the Papua region. Security forces have also been active in carrying out eradication operations against KST members. This firm action not only reduces the courage of these separatist groups but also sends a strong message that the country will not tolerate acts of violence and separatism that are detrimental to national security and unity.
In facing this challenge, the security forces have shown extraordinary dedication and courage in protecting citizens from the threat of KST Papua. The community supports the efforts of the security forces. Moral support, compliance with the law, and cooperation in providing important information are positive contributions that we can make. Through collaboration between security forces and the community, we can build a safe, peaceful and prosperous environment for all.
Criticism of KST Papua also came from traditional leaders. Chairman of the La Pago Traditional Region, Yuranus Jikwa, strongly condemned all the sadistic actions carried out by KST. According to him, civilians in Papua from various regions are not targets that must be fought. He added that KST should be able to sort out its targets and opponents. KST’s struggle is increasingly unclear and only for the interests of its own group.
The affected communities really appreciate the steps taken by the security forces who have helped the threatened residents. The security forces really pay attention to the level of safety and security. On the other hand, their condition is generally still traumatized by this incident, because they saw several of their colleagues killed at the hands of KST.
Apart from that, security forces have also been active in carrying out eradication operations against KST members. This firm action not only reduces the courage of these separatist groups but also sends a strong message that the country will not tolerate acts of violence and separatism that are detrimental to national security and unity.
It is important to remember that appreciation of the security forces’ steps must be accompanied by joint efforts to build dialogue and find long-term solutions to the conflict in Papua. Community empowerment, economic development and diplomatic approaches also need to be strengthened to achieve sustainable peace.
In facing the KST Papua attack, the security forces have shown extraordinary courage, resilience and dedication in protecting citizens and maintaining regional security. Appreciation and support for their efforts is an important first step towards peace and progress in Papua. Let’s together support these positive steps for a safe and prosperous future for all Papuans.
A spirit of togetherness and trust between security forces and the community is the key to overcoming common threats. Let us together appreciate and support their efforts in maintaining the security and welfare of the community from KST Papua attacks, so that we can move towards a safer and more prosperous future together.
)* The author is an Observer of the Papua Region
