By: Sabby Kosay )*
Separatist and terrorist groups (KST) must be dealt with firmly because they have committed various crimes and disturbed the peace of Papua. They not only frighten them, but also have the heart to attack indigenous Papuans until someone loses their life.
Papua is known as an exotic area and a tourist destination, both local and international tourists. But unfortunately Papua is also known as a place inhabited by rebel groups aka KST. They tarnish the name of Papua and give it a negative connotation, even though Papua is part of Indonesia and should not be damaged by the existence of KST.
So far, KST has always been troubling because it has repeatedly taken actions and endangered the community. Even on July 16, 2022, they attacked residents in Kenyam District, Nduga Regency, and caused 11 fatalities. Among the victims was a priest and indicative of KST’s impertinence, a religious figure instead of being glorified was brutally killed.
Papuan Police Chief Inspector General Mathius D Fakhiri stated that during the first semester of 2022 (January to July), there were 44 disturbances from KST. This number is increasing because last year there were only 34 cases of KST. Disturbances from KST occurred in the districts of Yahukimo, Intan Jaya, Nduga, Bintang Mountains, Puncak, and Painai.
Inspector General Mathius continued, Papuans are advised to avoid conflict-prone areas. The goal is not to come into contact with KST members who are ‘going down the mountain’ alias out of their headquarters. But it’s still a bit difficult because people also need to travel there to earn a living.
To protect residents from KST attacks, these rebel groups must be dealt with firmly. This is because they have committed serious cases, such as theft and mass murder. If any member of the KST is caught, it is mandatory for them to be tried and receive the most severe punishment as a deterrent effect.
If a KST member is involved in a theft case, the penalty is 5 years in prison, in accordance with article 362 of the Criminal Code. Then when someone is caught in a murder case, the sentence can be life imprisonment, even the death penalty. This action must be taken so that KST members give up and do not commit crimes again, which is detrimental to Papuans (both immigrants and natives).
Meanwhile, a member of the DPD RI from Papua, Yorrys Raweyai asked the government to suppress KST to its roots. In a sense, KST must be eradicated because it harms the Papuan people and makes them threatened, and can be mentally damaged due to constant terror. If KST has been eradicated, the lives of the residents will improve and their economy will not be disrupted by the attacks of these groups.
When there is a KST attack, of course the market is temporarily closed and this is very detrimental because the Papuan people lose their income. Therefore, there needs to be more decisive steps to eradicate KST. As well as securing the market and other public places from KST disturbances.
Yorrys continued, the government must take measured and planned steps to eradicate KST. The reason is because they are trying to divide the unity in Indonesia. When there is a KST attack, the victims are migrants, thus triggering conflict between indigenous Papuans (OAP) and migrants. This is very dangerous because it can create riots based on SARA (ethnicity, religion, race, between groups).
Strict action against KST needs to be taken, in addition to giving the most severe punishment. The TNI and Polri as security forces are also allowed to act decisively against KST if there is a conflict in vulnerable areas. They are even allowed to take measured decisive action when dealing directly with KST members.
Measured decisive action was taken because when going head to head with KST members, it could not be arrested with bare hands. The reason is because they use firearms and must be fought with firearms as well. If not, then the life of the apparatus is even threatened with safety, so that decisive, measurable actions may be taken and do not violate procedures.
Don’t let the public be swayed by the hoaxes and propaganda deliberately spread by KST members, which is done to gain the sympathy of the Papuan people. Firm and measured actions taken by the apparatus are a form of protection for the community, so that they no longer have to deal with KST. Not as a form of arrogance, violation of human rights (HAM), or an attempt to militarize Papua.
The community is obliged to support the government and the apparatus in the context of eradicating KST. The security forces carry out their duties to protect Papuans and prevent conflicts, which can have a negative impact on peace and the economy. Strict action must be taken so that KST loses and proper punishment is given to them, for having committed various criminal acts.
)* The author is a high school Papuan student
