A Child Victim Of KKB Violence In Papua Can Now Go To School Again

Photo: Special

Salmon YI Tepmul had to drop out of school two years ago. This happened after the burning of his hometown in Kiwirok District, Bintan Mountains Regency, Papua, by the Papuan Armed Criminal Group (KKB).

Salmon, during the Kiwirok riots in September 2021, she was still in elementary school and was in grade 3. However, the riots in that year made him and dozens of children suffer and drop out of school.

"Sa pu raport terbakar. Jadi sekolah sini tra mau Terima saya," ujarnya, dikutip Selasa 22 Agustus.

Riots in his hometown made Salmon flee to Oksibil District to avoid the ferocity of the Papuan KKB that terrorized his district.

"My family and I fled to Oksibil on foot. I walked two days and two nights. There was no more house. Finally, I joined Mama Rounne Vallery Walea to Jayapura," said Salmon.

Arriving in Jayapura, Rounne Vallery Walea, who is Salmon's adopted mother, took the initiative to send Salmon to school. However, because the report and other files were burned down, Salmon had not attended school for about two years.

Salom's fate changed, when he met a TNI soldier. At that time, August 9, 2023, a TNI member from Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih was exercising. But the rain flushed the city of Jayapura. Finally, the soldier took shelter in the Kios Kasih Nit Meke belonging to Rounne.

Salmon YI Tepmul as the adopted son of the owner of the Rounne Vallery Walea kiosk, passed by and met. Salmon also told all the stories he had experienced to the TNI soldier. Hearing the story of Salmon, the soldier of the people's protection satria, was moved to help.

The soldier also coordinated with the Principal of Holtekamp State School to help Salmon, to be accepted at the school. After coordinating with the Principal of Holtekamp State School, Salmon YI Tepmul became his student.

Currently Salmon sit in 4th grade elementary school, and receive additional lessons for one hour a day to pursue reading skills in order to adapt to other children.

Not only that, the soldier also provided assistance in the form of stationery equipment and uniforms as well as other assistance. Now, both Rounne and the teachers at SDN Holtekamp hope that many other communities can also help children who are victims of KKB violence so they can go to school again.