Moeldoko Conveys Jokowi's Message Against The Papuan Armed Criminal Group

JAKARTA - Presidential Chief Staff Moeldoko said that President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ordered a crackdown on armed criminal groups in Papua. This crackdown can be carried out in various ways, one of which is law enforcement.

"The president has ordered the National Police and the National Army (TNI) Commander to warn against this human rights issue. However, the armed criminal group (KKB) issue must be handled in a measured, proportional manner with a law enforcement approach", Moeldoko said in an online discussion, Wednesday, April 28.

According to him, there is a new situation related to KKB activities that require a special approach. For example, killing teachers, burning schools, and intimidating the community.

Moeldoko said these actions led to acts of terrorism. Because, it raises a sense of insecurity, excessive fear in society because of murder.

"In fact, according to the regent, it is strange, because they have started killing indigenous Papuans. So, there is a tendency for new things to be tougher at this time", he said.

On the other hand, the government also prioritizes respect for human rights (HAM) in eliminating the Papuan KKB. "The point is how to put emphasis on respecting human rights. We must not ignore that", said the former TNI commander.

Dialog-based approach

Moeldoko also stated that the government was building communication channels to eradicate KKB Papua. He often accepts Papuan figures, both from academic groups to religious leaders.

"I often have dialogues. For that we will continue because we want the right solution, the right solution does not sacrifice many parties", he said.

Next, the task of the government is to deal with issues of intolerance that have an impact on Papua. Like it or not, issues such as the burial of Christian communities in the midst of a Muslim community, indirectly, become the KKB's 'weapon' to incite the Papuan people.

"In my opinion, this is the role of all parties, the role of the regional government, it really has to be attached to it to provide an understanding of the community", said Moeldoko.

Finally, namely deradicalization efforts. Moeldoko said that was the authority of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT). "Next, the deradicalization program is more precise, this is the domain of BNPT. I don't want to go in there so that the BNPT can provide an explanation", he concluded.