Jayapura, Jubi – The Bishop of Jayapura, Mgr. Yanuarius Theofilus Matopai You, has expressed concerns over the deployment of Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police personnel from outside Papua to the region, stating that it instills fear and discomfort among the local residents. Bishop Yanuarius made these remarks during a discussion titled “Quo Vadis Papua Land of Peace?” organized by the Secretariat for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation of the Franciscan Papua in Jayapura City on Monday, January 29, 2024.
“The excessive deployment of security forces causes the community to live in fear,” he said.
Bishop Yanuarius argued that the deployment of security forces to Papua, under the pretext of maintaining sovereignty, has significant implications for the lives of civilians. According to him, the people of Papua are already traumatized by the presence of the TNI and police.
“The deployment of forces is making security in Papua increasingly non-conducive. Papua is not a military emergency area. Yet the people have to leave their villages, gardens, and businesses and go elsewhere. Their lives are very difficult, and it continues,” he said.
Bishop Yanuarius emphasized that the central government should create space for dialogue. Dialogue is a wise step to discuss and find solutions to the conflicts in Papua.
“If the dialogue space is not opened, we will continue like this. What have we done wrong? What sins have we committed that the central government and the president allow us to live in this situation?” the Bishop questioned.
A report from the Democracy Alliance for Papua (AlDP) in 2023 noted that at least 10,250 TNI soldiers and 1,416 police from outside Papua were sent and stationed in the region. These thousands of security personnel are involved in various tasks, including the Cartenz Peace Operation, border security operations between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, territorial community operations, public order, security operations for PT Freeport Indonesia, and Susi Air pilot rescue.
The Director of the Secretariat for Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation of the Franciscan Papua, Alexandro Rangga OFM, emphasized the need for all parties to honestly discuss the issues in Papua. This is crucial for those with interests in Papua to take sincere actions to realize a peaceful Papua.
“We need to talk honestly about our home [Papua],” said Alexandro on Monday.
Alexandro stressed the importance of advocating for a peaceful Papua as conflicts persist in the region. He expressed concern that armed conflicts could escalate and trigger dangerous horizontal conflicts or conflicts between residents.
“If not, the slogan Papua Tanah Damai (Papua Land of Peace) that started 22 years ago will remain just a slogan. Those experiencing the lack of peace in Papua are the people themselves, regardless of the decisions made by political elites. The pressure on the people is increasing, and it is dangerous because every reaction to anarchic actions has a comprehensive effect in Papua,” he added. (*)
Jayapura, Jubi – The Papua Police and the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command (Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih) have not yet endorsed civil aviation activities to Bilogai Airport in Sugapa, Intan Jaya Regency, Central Papua Province. Civil flights to Intan Jaya have been suspended since the escalation of armed conflict in the region on January 19, 2024.
“The Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police has not allowed civil flight activities to transport residents to Intan Jaya until the situation is conducive and under control of the local security forces,” said Papua Police chief Insp. Gen. Mathius D Fakhiri on Thursday, January 25, 2024.
According to Fakhiri, the security forces are currently carrying out their duties to ensure security in Intan Jaya. These efforts are also being made to prepare for the 2024 General Election.
“The current situation is already more conducive than a few days ago. However, we have not recommended civil flights to Intan Jaya,” said Fakhiri.
On Thursday, the Field Operations Commander of the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) of the Intan Jaya Defense Region, Obed Japugau, stated that they prohibit civil flights from landing aircraft in Intan Jaya. This is because the TPNPB believes that flights to Intan Jaya are often used to transport security forces and weapons.
The Commander of the XVII/Cenderawasih Regional Military Command, Maj. Gen. Izak Pangemanan, stated that the TNI and police are currently working to normalize civil flights in Intan Jaya. Moreover, Intan Jaya is one of the isolated regions, with several areas more accessible by air transportation.
“Civil flights [within] one or two days [are expected] to return to normal because air transportation is one of the choices for the community,” said Izak.
Izak stated that they will continue to improve the security situation in Intan Jaya. “Security will continue to be our priority because we do not want the public to become victims, especially since air transportation access is crucial,” he said. (*)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.