Mimika Police Disbanded Demonstrators Reject Otsus And Demand Referendum

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

TIMIKA - Mimika Resort Police, assisted by Brimob Battalion B, Papua Police and Mimika 1710 Kodim, dispersed a group of residents who were about to stage a demonstration at the Mimika DPRD office.

Mimika Police Chief, AKBP IGG Era Adhinata, said that around 50 people who wanted to demonstrate at the Mimika DPRD office were intercepted by officers on Jalan Cenderawasih, right in front of the Timika Health Vocational School.

There were three main demands of the masses who wanted to demonstrate to the Mimika DPRD office, namely revoking the Special Autonomy (Otsus) for Papua, rejecting the New Autonomous Region (DOB) and demanding a referendum.

"The Mimika Police wants the security situation in Mimika to remain safe and conducive. Colleagues who want to take actions that have the potential to cause security vulnerabilities, of course, we reject it," said Era Adhinata, quoted by Antara, Friday, April 1.

Mimika Police Chief said that since Friday morning around 500 Mimika Police and Brimob Detachment B Papua Police personnel assisted by two platoons of TNI personnel from the Mimika 1710 Kodim have been deployed to several points in Timika City to prevent crowds from gathering.

Security was also tightened around the Mimika DPRD office, the Mimika Regent's Office and several other places such as the Mimika Smart City Monument, the Timika Indah Peace Monument and others.

The plan for simultaneous demonstrations for 1 April 2022 throughout Papua follows the appeal issued by the Papuan People's Petition (PRP).

"Until 15.00 WIT the situation in Timika City remained safe and conducive. Earlier there were about 50 people who were going to hold an action, but we appealed to them to return to their respective homes in an orderly manner. We had anticipated this because previously there were leaflets to hold the event. Simultaneous rallies throughout Papua on April 1, 2022," said Era Adhinata.

The Mimika Police Chief confirmed that no one from the mass of demonstrators was arrested.

He hopes that all Mimika residents will help maintain security and order and avoid provocations from certain parties who want to disrupt the security situation and public peace.

"So far, Kamtibmas in Mimika is quite safe thanks to the synergy between the TNI and Polri and the full support from all components of society. Please continue to maintain and maintain this condition," he urged.