Residents Are Used As Shields And Attack From Behind, This Is Mahfud's Order To TNI-Polri In Papua

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD/Antara

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD, ordered the TNI and Polri to take measured steps in dealing with armed separatist groups in Papua.

This order was conveyed to prevent the loss of lives from civilians when the TNI and Polri tackled armed groups, especially in Intan Jaya Regency, Papua.

"I ask the TNI and Polri officers to take measured measures so that there are no civilian casualties," Mahfud told reporters, Monday, November 1.

As Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, Mahfud ensured that he continued to monitor developments in the community, including in Papua, which was conveyed by the TNI, Polri, and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). Not only that, but he also always listens to calls for peace conveyed by a number of parties, including from the Timika Diocese to the Papua Legal Aid Institute.

However, Mahfud considers that the number of fatalities occurred because separatist groups always use civilians as shields.

"Actually, as people know, the Police and TNI have been very careful to protect civilians. But as you know, the OPM always attacks from behind and makes civilians as shields and victims," said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).

To discuss the issue, Mahfud said his party would attend a meeting under the coordination of the Vice President. There are a number of agendas that will be discussed at the meeting, ranging from matters of security situation to developments in handling welfare in Papua.

"Actually, routine handling already has standards or procedures. But specifically Monday morning we will have a meeting under the leadership of the Vice President, both based on Presidential Regulation Number 19 of 2020 and Law Number 2 of 2021 regarding the Papua Council, the leader of development in Papua is the Vice President," said Mahfud.

"We will continue to coordinate through the vice president's office," he concluded.