By: Edward Krey) *
Naturally, if we are angry when the dignity of the nation is harassed, but remembering does not mean we consider everyone the same. Even though every human being is unique and cannot be equated with an object, let alone an inappropriate object of scolding.
The racist issue actually has long been lost in the archipelago, especially after the emergence of the concept of a friendly human rights city that was launched in several regions in Indonesia. So differences and diversity do not become obstacles to establishing unity.
Previously, a number of mass organizations occupied Papuan Student dormitory located in Surabaya. They even tried to enter the dormitory but were prevented by security forces who were guarding the dormitory fence. The trigger was allegedly because Papuan students were reluctant to fly the Red and White Flag in the dormitory courtyard. The mass organizations then stoned the student dormitory with stones while issuing racist sentences against students who were at the hostel at that time.
Chairman of the Serui Indigenous Council, Ones Wayoi also regretted the incident experienced by Papuan students on Java. The action that befell Papuan students is clearly not in accordance with the behavior of the people who understand adat and religious norms.
It also said, Papua is part of the Homeland. So why should there be racism like that. If Indonesia has upheld the value of Pancasila, then it is fitting for the people of Papua not to get such treatment.
If we understand what is being done by Papuan Students at Papuan Dormitory in Surabaya, surely legal handling and prosecution should be done, not mass judgments witnessed by state institutions and recorded by reporters without newspapers.
The racist act committed is a form of humiliation and denial of dignity and humanity that are clearly protected by Law No. 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights.
Various components of civil society wherever they are, of course, it is appropriate to show an attitude of respect for the existence of each ethnic and religion and encourage non-discriminatory behavior in any form.
All components of civil society, especially mass organizations and student organizations certainly have a role to voice the protection of freedom of expression, free from racist attitudes and stigmatization of students or anyone as a form of a state that upholds democracy and justice.
If the acts of discrimination experienced by Papuan Students are not immediately stopped, it will certainly create hatred and disharmony among the people in the land of Papua.
Coordinator of Saereri Bay Indigenous Consultative Council, David Rumansara, appealed to the government of East Java Province and the Mayor of Surabaya and all of his staff to be able to provide protection to students from Papua as part of citizens of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Meanwhile, native Papuans living outside of Papua should not be incited by calls for demonstrations that could disrupt the order of the local community.
The problems experienced by Papuan students in East Java must be resolved by persuasive means and not by force.
The voice of stop racism was also echoed by the Lampung Lampung Student Association (Ikmapal) who requested that the community not be provoked and stop all racist acts to fellow humans and children of the Indonesian nation.
He considered that the person who said the racist must be detained because he was proven to have committed human rights violations.
In Lampung, Papuan students did not feel the effects of the problem and everything was normal.
The police have also come, to express their attitude and guarantee that Papuan students can learn to study safely.
Even Bandar Lampung Mayor Herman HN had also invited Papuan students to come to his official residence, Herman also conveyed to the Papuan students for their security.
Things like that are certainly exemplary, as a form of applying the motto of unity in diversity, which means different but still one.
The difference does not mean that it is an obstacle to maintaining unity, the diversity that is there should be grateful, because diversity is a cultural wealth that is not necessarily owned by other nations.
Stop Racism on Mother Earth, skin color may be different, but that does not mean differences should cause injury.
) * The writer is a Papuan student, living in Yogyakarta
