Jayapura – Various components of society in Puncak conveyed their aspirations at the Puncak regency People's Representative Council (DPRK) offices on Monday April 20 in response to the worsening security situation over the last few days due to military operations in Kembru and Pogoma districts in Puncak early last week.
The mass action, which was facilitated by the Puncak Regency People's Solidarity Concern, conveyed a statement on the deteriorating security situation that is turning into a humanitarian crisis that requires serious attention from the government and the people's representatives in the legislature.
The protesters arrived from several different gathering points, namely the Gome Market, in front of the Jerusalem Pancuran Church, in front of Jalan Kimak, in front of Jalan Mokok and in front of the Kago Market. They then all headed to the DPRK Puncak offices.
Upon arriving in front of the DPRK office located on Jalan Kago, Ilaga district, representatives of the organisations delivered their speeches. A total of 14 organisations were involved in mass action to voice their deep concern over the loss of life among civilians.
The 14 organisations include the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI), the Indonesian Christian Youth Generation Movement (GAMKI), the Tabernacle Bible Church of Indonesia (GKII) Church Youth, the Papuan Gospel Camp Church (GKIP) Church Youth, the Komcab Catholic Youth, the People's Movement, the Liberation Front against the Oppression of Papua (FP3), the National Anti-Narcotics Generation (GANN), Farmers Youth, the King's Tabernacle Evangelical Youth Generation (AMKI), the National Sports Committee (KONI), the Chamber of Papua Traditional Traders (KAPP), the Agrarian Reform Consortium (KPA) and the Indigenous Community Institution (LMA).
In a speech, the Puncak Regency People's Solidarity Concern said that it is very concerned about the tragic incident that befell civilians in Pogoma and Kembru districts.
Field coordinator (Korlap) Yokim Kum revealed that from findings in the field, nine civilians died in a series of military operations carried out in the two districts. Kembru district had previously been designated as a safe area for refugees affected by the conflict, but security forces came in and there were even attacks on people's homes.
"In this incident there were casualties. The victims who fell were mostly civilians, including women and children who were not involved in the armed conflict at all. Many of them became victims without knowing the actual situation", said Kum.
Civilians were killed and injured, said Kum, as a result of military operations using primary weapons systems (alutsista) including helicopters, drones and firearms.
Based on field data, Kum continued, due to the use of helicopters and drones, residential areas for displaced residents were destroyed. Not to mention a paralysed health infrastructure so that injured residents could not be treated. Moreover, the evacuation process also experienced delays. This was made even worse by the limited and uncomfortable access for medical personnel to the scene.
Therefore, each speaker emphasised the same thing, namely that military operations throughout Puncak district should be stopped immediately.
As was stated by a women who appeared among the male speakers. She conveyed what was in her heart in front of the protesters. In a loud voice, she spoke firmly about ending military operations.
"This is the first time I have seen something like this happen to Papuan mama-mama. Kill me and my relatives. Even though I have straight hair, I speak for my people in the land of Puncak. Please withdraw the TNI [Indonesian Military] and Polri [National Police] troops that have been sent", said the Puncak Catholic Youth (PK) representative.
The speakers firmly stated that the security approach that prioritises militarism has so far not resolved the root of the problems in the land of Papua because armed violence only prolongs the suffering of civilians who should be protected.
In their demands, they urged the central and regional governments, the DPRK and security forces to immediately take concrete steps to establish safe zones so that refugee areas and civilian settlements are free from military activities and armed conflict.
In addition, military operations must be reevaluated. The Puncak DPRK was asked to form a special team to carry out a thorough investigation into alleged human rights violations.
It was also demanded that non-organic troops be withdrawn immediately. President Prabowo Subianto is obliged to evaluate additional non-organic troops in Puncak regency and withdraw them to the urban centres to reduce tension in outlying areas.
Deputy field coordinator (wakorlap) Elinus Numang stated that the victims of the attacks and military operation must receive rehabilitation, including psychological assistance. According to him, the victims must be cared for so that they are not traumatised again.
He emphasised that the same thing must not happen again because the impact on the community in Puncak regency has been felt deeply.
"All citizens want to live in safety and peace. Including us here at Puncak. Nobody accepts yesterday's incident. Civilians are not enemies of the state. The state should protect all people", he said.
Numang stated, "We condemn all forms of violence and ask all parties to respect the right to life of the people in the land of Papua".
The peaceful action proceeded smoothly until the crowd dispersed without incident.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Massa Aksi Solidaritas Rakyat Desak Operasi Militer di Puncak Dihentikan".]
