Papua Sees Four Major Problems

VIVAnews – Riot broke in Waena District, Jayapura, Papua, on Thursday, June 14. The rioters protested against the arrest of the Deputy Chairman of West Papua National Committee, Mako Tabuni.  They set fire on motorcycles, cars, and homes. 

Police arrested Mako Tabuni for allegedly helming the group which had perpetrated a series of mysterious shootings in the province. 

“The group is had done the shootings over some Indonesian Military personnel, Police members, and Civil Servants,” said Coordinating Minister for Political, Justice and Human Rights Affairs, Djoko Suyanto.

The riot in Waena District took place almost one week after the visit of Commission I of the House of Representatives in Jayapura. The event also occurred only two days after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono instructed the Indonesian Military Commander and the Indonesian Police Chief to take Security Recovery Operation in Papua, on Tuesday, June 12. 

In response to the issue, Deputy Chairman of Commission I, Tubagus Hasanuddin, said the escalating situation in Papua does not only center on security issues.  

“There are greater problems in Papua that must be addressed through comprehensive and integrated efforts,” said Hasanuddin to VIVAnews. He cited four major issues which had surfaced in Papua. 

First, there was failures in implementing special autonomy, especially in the fields of economic welfare, health, and education; second, the existence of discrimination and marginalization towards indigenous Papuans; third, the trauma felt by some Papuans as a result of unresolved past repressive actions by law enforcement. 

“Fourth, there are different perceptions on Papua’s integration into Indonesia through the Act of Free Choice in 1969,” said Hasanuddin.   

Hasanuddin revealed that within the past 18 months, 30 cases of shootings have come to pass in Papua.  

“This situation helps raise suspicion among the Military/Police over the Papuans,” he said.   

“However, I’m concerned that the Security Recovery Operation will only lead to new turmoil,” said Hasanuddin.  

Meanwhile, Chief of National Police, General Timur Pradopo, called on the people of Papua, especially in Jayapura, to remain calm.  

“Jayapura and its surrounding area are under the control of the Regional Police and the Military Command and the intelligence,” Timur said.