By Markus Karoba )*
The government’s firmness in taking firm action and enforcing the law against Separatist and Terrorist Groups (KST) in Papua needs to be appreciated by all parties. The reason is that KST’s actions, which continue to attack security forces and terrorize and carry out heinous acts against civil society in Papua, have caused deep fear and concern. The community also fully supports the eradication of KST so that peace can be realized throughout Papua.
KST Papua has become a serious threat to security and stability in Papua. Most recently, KST had the heart to attack TNI soldiers who were members of the Eagle IV Task Force of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) while on duty to protect the Papuan people. As a result of this incident, a member of the Indonesian Navy Marines named Sertu Mar Ismunandar died as a national hero on Sunday (17/3).
Head of Information (Kapen) Kogabwilhan III Colonel Czï Gusti Nyoman Suriastawa explained that the attack on Sertu Ismunandar occurred in Muara District, Puncak Jaya, Papua. According to him, the victim had previously been trapped by KST members and then injured at close range.
The chronology of the incident began when Sertu Ismunandar and Serka Salim came to the location to meet with the informant. When the two soldiers arrived at the location, KST members immediately attacked. There was resistance by Serka Salim, resulting in a gunfight. After injuring Sertu Ismunandar, the perpetrators immediately ran away and Serka Salim was rescued by local religious leaders.
The attack on security personnel is part of a series of cruel KST actions in Papua. The reason is, the Papuan people have also experienced countless suffering due to acts of violence carried out by KST. In fact, people want peace so they can live their daily lives without fear of threats and intimidation. Therefore, when the government strengthened its enforcement measures against KST, the community supported it wholeheartedly.
This support is not solely due to the desire to see the perpetrators of violence brought to justice, but also due to awareness of the importance of security and stability for Papua’s future development. The Papuan people want to see their homeland become a safe and conducive place for economic growth, education and social life.
In this case, the government has taken firm and measurable steps in cracking down on KST Papua. This includes strengthening the security presence in the Papua region, effective law enforcement against criminals, as well as efforts to reduce the causes of separatism and conflict in Papua.
However, in upholding this firmness, the government also continues to pay attention to Human Rights (HAM) and upholds the principles of justice. The actions taken are proportional and in accordance with applicable law, without providing room for human rights violations or arbitrary actions.
So that various approaches in handling KST Papua continue to be carried out simultaneously. The Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army (KSAD), General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak, stated that his party would not use a full combat approach to reduce the conflict in Papua. Because according to the Army Chief of Staff, the conflict in Papua occurred due to differences in understanding which sparked them to want to separate themselves from the Republic of Indonesia. So with a humanist approach, it is hoped that KST Papua will be easier to control.
Previously on March 11-12 2024, the Indonesian Government participated in a constructive dialogue with the civil and political rights committee in Geneva, Switzerland. On that occasion, the Indonesian government conveyed various achievements and challenges in implementing civil and political rights in the country.
The Director General of Human Rights at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, Dhahana Putra, said that the meeting with the civil and political rights committee reflected the government’s commitment to sharing views to advance and protect human rights in Indonesia, including Papua. Because during this meeting, the issue of Papua also came up. In general, the committee appreciates the Indonesian government’s efforts to encourage the implementation of civil and political rights.
The government’s efforts to deal with problems in Papua are not limited to law enforcement alone. The government must also involve dialogue and participation of the Papuan people in finding long-term, sustainable solutions. This includes paying attention to the aspirations and needs of the Papuan people, as well as providing space for them to participate in the development process and decision-making related to their future.
The government’s firmness in cracking down on KST Papua is based on a holistic approach, which combines strong law enforcement with efforts to improve social, economic and political conditions in the region. Only in this way can sustainable stability and peace be achieved in Papua, and the rights and interests of all parties, including the Papuan people, can be properly guaranteed.
Apart from that, with full support from the community, the government’s efforts to crack down on Papua’s KST law have a strong moral foundation. Together, they hope to bring significant positive change to the Land of Papua, where security, peace and progress can become a reality for all its citizens.
)* The author is a student from Papua in Surabaya
