Mahfud MD Consider Categorizing KKB Papua As Terrorist

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD (Mery Handayani / VOI)

JAKARTA - Problems related to the operation of the independent Papua (OPM) or the armed criminal group (KKB) in Bumi Cendrawasih have yet to be resolved by the government. The KKB also continued to carry out attacks on the TNI personnel guarding there.

Former Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) AM Hendropriyono criticized the current situation in Papua. He asked the government to no longer use the term Armed Criminal Group (KKB). He asked the Free Papua Organization or OPM to be better on the list of international terrorists.

Responding to this, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfuf MD said that his party would accommodate and consider all input, including from Hendropriyono. Moreover, this figure has a background related to intelligence.

"He (Hendropriyono) has been in government for a long time. He is also a general at BIN so he has the capacity to propose things like that. We have submitted the proposal. I have also spoken with him at length. Of course the proposal must be considered," he said when met. in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, Thursday, December 26.

As a follow-up to Hendropriyono's proposal, Mahfud said, in the not too distant future, his party would hold a complete meeting to discuss all issues concerning comprehensive measures.

"Comprehensive, including Pak Hendropriyono's suggestion, the Minister of Home Affairs 'proposal, Bappenas' proposal, the Foreign Minister's suggestion. We will all be accommodated tomorrow. Police, what do we want the army to take comprehensive comprehensive steps on this matter," he explained.

Mahfud emphasized that the government's attitude towards Papua was clearly based on the decision of the UN international organization on November 9, 1969, that Papua was a legitimate part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

Related to, the government will face separatists or OPM. However, said Mahfud, the people who did not know anything who were dragged along would be given protection of law and human rights. Meanwhile, those who are part of the separatists will be faced as separatists.

Mahfud's statement also departed from the many young people in Papua who joined the OPM to release Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Because, they feel marginalized.

Mahfud emphasized that the government will continue to protect Papua whatever happens by placing security forces in the Papuan regions. Even though the conditions there are safe. The government will also change the way it approaches the Papuan community.

"So far this has been the case and the budget is 12 times bigger than out there. But the handling is not comprehensive, so the effect is not much," he said.

"It is impossible for a country to be like New Zealand where there are police. The past should not use security, that is not a country. The state apparatus must have resilience and security. But we expect welfare. We will still protect the people," he explained.