Papua Heats Up Again, DPR Asks Government To Open Dialogue With OPM To Find Peaceful Solutions

Chairman of Commission I DPR RI Meutya Hafid (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives highlighted the increasingly anarchic action of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) group and made the situation heat up again. Chairman of Commission I of the House of Representatives, Meutya Hafid, asked the Government to immediately take steps and focus on resolving the conflict in Papua.

"We are concerned about the incessant OPM actions that have been carried out more and more often. We ask the Government to immediately take concrete steps and focus on resolving conflicts and security stability in Papua," said Chairman of Meutya Hafid, Friday, July 19.

If necessary, continued Meutya, the government optimizes a socio-cultural approach in overcoming the anarchic actions of OPM. For example, dialogue to find a peaceful solution.

"The government needs to reopen dialogues with OPM groups to find peaceful solutions. Inclusive and transparent negotiations can help reduce tensions," said the legislator from the North Sumatra electoral district.

As the head of the commission in charge of defense and intelligence affairs in the DPR, Meutya also reminded that the main priority is security for the Papuan people. Therefore, the TNI-Polri apparatus is asked to be able to overcome security disturbances.

"We want to ensure the presence of security forces to protect civilians in order to overcome security threats. Strengthening the presence of the TNI and Polri in the area is very important," said Meutya. Meutya also highlighted the actions of the OPM group that burned the school. Meutya condemned actions that could seize the rights of Papuan children to learn.

"We must prioritize the right to education for Papuan children to get proper education," he said.

Meutya also asked the government and officials to ensure security for children in Papua when studying at school. Moreover, the OPM group set fire to the school building with the aim of disrupting the learning process for children in Papua.

"We hope that the Government can guarantee that children in Papua can get education safely and comfortably without intimidation and disturbances," concluded Meutya.

On the other hand, Meutya assessed, investment in infrastructure development, education, and community welfare can help reduce security instability in Papua. Commission I of the DPR appreciates the development that has been carried out by the Government in Papua in the last 10 years quickly, rapidly, and significantly.

"Such development steps need to be continued to take sides with the Papuan people," concluded Meutya.

It is known that the situation in Puncak Jaya, Central Papua, had heated up after three OPM members were shot dead by TNI members on Tuesday, July 16. The shooting began when a number of OPM members attacked the RK 753/AVT Infantry Battalion Task Force.

The crowd then launched a protest and said the victims were not members of the OPM. In the aftermath of the protest, as many as six units of cars belonging to the TNI-Polri were burned by the masses. They also asked for a total compensation of Rp. 3 billion for the three people who were shot as traditional fines.

TNI personnel themselves confiscated a homemade pistol and a Morning Star flag after shooting dead the 3 OPM members. The evidence allegedly belonged to the OPM group led by Teranus Enumbi who continued to terrorize civilians. This group is also said to often damage public facilities to attack security forces.