The conflict involving the Papuan Separatist Terrorist Group (KSTP) is still ongoing. The Indonesian government has increased security by deploying security forces in the Papua region to overcome the threats posed by KST Papua. The joint TNI and Polri operation was carried out to maintain security and fight illegal activities carried out by the separatist group. This step aims to protect the Papuan people from acts of violence and restore security stability in the Papua region.
The government is making serious efforts to take action against Papuan KST members who commit criminal acts. Security forces are trying to uncover and arrest KST Papua members who are involved in attacks on security forces, murders, kidnappings and other activities. Through a fair legal process, the government seeks to ensure accountability and limit the activities of KST Papua.
Head of the Terrorism Studies Study Program at the University of Indonesia (UI), Muhammad Syauqillah, said that the KST Papua violence from 2017 to 2023 had killed 34 civilians and 12 security forces. The attack carried out by KST Papua was a crime against humanity because it targeted civilians. In fact, in the law of war (humanitarian law), civil society is a group that cannot be attacked or fought.
Apart from that, the Papuan KST action took Papua’s development framework off the path that should be enjoyed by the Papuan people. When development stalls, in the long term it will have an impact on problems with the welfare of the Papuan people, such as road access from one region to another.
Under these conditions, Pamerintah continues to prepare steps, both soft and hard approaches, to resolve the Papua KST problem. Because the people in Papua must be guaranteed security and decent living comfort.
Meanwhile, Member of the DPR, Mochamad Hasbi Asyidiki Jayabaya, said that the Government of Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is paying quite a lot of attention to infrastructure development in Papua. Various infrastructure has been built, such as toll roads, airports, reservoirs, health and education and others to encourage new economic growth for the people of Papua. Apart from that, infrastructure development can improve the welfare of the Papuan people, so that they can catch up with other regions.
The government has paid special attention to Papua’s special autonomy to overcome social and economic inequality in the region. Through special autonomy, Papua is given greater authority in managing natural resources, finances and regional government. This step aims to provide better opportunities for the Papuan people to make decisions and advance their region.
Apart from that, the Government is also actively holding dialogue with Papuan community groups to listen to their aspirations and needs. This dialogue is an important platform in formulating development policies and programs that are responsive to the interests of the Papuan people.
Recently, KST Papua acted again by burning down markets and kiosks belonging to residents, burning down 1 unit of the official residence of the Bintang Mountains DPRD and 2 kiosks belonging to residents, located in Serambakon District, Bintang Mountains Regency, Papua Mountains Province. The action of burning houses and kiosks by KST Papua was a form of rejection of development carried out by the Government and was aimed at preventing the economy in the Bintang Mountains region from functioning, so it received criticism from various parties, especially the people in the region.
The existence of the Papuan Separatist Terrorist Group (KSTP) is a terrifying terror for Papuans. They cannot carry out activities freely like ordinary citizens. At all times they must be alert to the appearance of KST Papua who could take them hostage or burn down their houses and take food.
On the other hand, the education sector is very crucial in fighting KST Papua indirectly in an effort to prevent the emergence and development of criminal groups or armed separatist groups. With education, Papuans become more educated so they are not easily persuaded to join the Papuan Terrorist Separatist Group (KSTP).
It is also necessary to approach young people who sympathize and join armed groups in order to return to school. Apart from that, infrastructure development that connects various regions in Papua will make the economy grow. A growing economy will be able to absorb a lot of workers in Papua so that Papuans will become more prosperous.
The Indonesian government has committed to resolving the KST Papua conflict through a comprehensive approach. By combining security and development, the Government seeks to create safe and supportive conditions for the Papuan people. Through regional security, law enforcement, infrastructure development and community empowerment, the Government seeks to achieve security and sustainable development in Papua. The participation of the Papuan people in the decision-making process is also emphasized to ensure that Government policies and programs are responsive to local needs. With joint efforts, it is hoped that the KST Papua conflict can be overcome and the region can achieve sustainable peace and progress.
