KKB Decisive Action In Papua, Bambang Soesatyo: Soft Power Approach Remains The Main

Documentation of residents' houses set on fire by armed groups, in Beoga, Puncak Regency, (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly Bambang Soesatyo again asked the TNI and Police to arrest an armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua. This is because the series of violent incidents committed by the KKB have alarming characteristics.

In fact, said Bamsoet, there has been an increase in KKB actions. Referring to Kemenkopolhukam data, in the last three years no less than 110 residents have become victims of KKB. A total of 95 people died and 59 of them were civilians, while 27 people were TNI and 9 were Polri.

"The soft power approach is still prioritized," said Bamsoet in Jakarta, Wednesday, May 5.

"However, when conditions force, firm and measured actions must be implemented through repressive measures to protect the Papuan people," he continued.

The former chairman of the DPR likened this KKB security measure to draining the pond water to catch fish. Pond water is the means and infrastructure to support the KKB, which he now calls terrorists, while the fish are the KKB. He said the KKB had to be completely annihilated in order to protect the Papuan people.

Bamsoet assessed that it would be impossible for the government to develop Papua if the escalation of violence did not end. According to him, the state must be present to ensure the right of the Papuan people to enjoy the results of development without being attacked by threats from a group of people.

"After repelling the KKB and controlling various villages from the grip of the KKB, the government needs to reactivate development in Papua according to Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020 and Presidential Decree Number 20 of 2020, as well as carrying out various welfare service operations," explained the former chairman of Commission III.

For example, Bamsoet added, members of the TNI and Polri could be assigned to become teachers and rebuild damaged public facilities.

"Because the way to win the hearts and minds of the local Papuan people is the best way to restore peaceful conditions in Papua," said Bambang Soesatyo.