27/12/2022
The Vice President Asks The TNI Commander Yudo Margono to Take Firm Action on the Papuan Separatist Groups
Support for the TNI Commander, Admiral Yudo Margono, to be more assertive in dealing with the conflict in Papua continues to flow.
Having received support from the President, now Vice President Ma'ruf Amin is giving a stronger signal regarding the handling of the separatist criminal groups or KKB.
Yudo Margono was asked to be more assertive in taking action against the Papuan KKB, which often commits violence against civilians and security forces.
According to Ma'ruf, this firm step is necessary even though the government is also prioritizing a humanist approach in dealing with the dynamics that occur in Papua.
"There are still violence being perpetrated by the KKB, maybe there are even more firm steps against them (KKB)," Ma'ruf Amin.
The Vice President said that many parties have asked the government to take a firmer stance in order to protect and protect the people of Papua.
Nevertheless, he emphasized that conflicts between the KKB and the security forces and residents only occurred in certain areas in Papua.
He claimed that a number of areas in Papua were classified as safe, as was proven when he visited several areas in Papua, namely Jayapura, Merauke, Timika, Kaimana and Biak.
"So even if there is, it's actually in a small group area, but it really has to be dealt with even more firmly," said Ma'ruf.
As previously reported, President Joko Widodo also advised Yudo that the TNI should take a firm stance while using a humanist approach in Papua.
"I think it's good, the humanist approach is good. The reduction in TNI soldiers in Papua is good," said Jokowi at the State Palace, Monday (19/12/2022).
"But you have to be firm. There, the KKB always acts like that, yes, the problem won't be resolved (if it's not firm)," he continued.
Meanwhile, Head of the Center for Intermestic and Diplomatic Engagement (CIDE) Anton Aliabbas said, the issue of conflict in Papua was considered to be one of Yudo Margono's homework (PR) as TNI commander.
In fact, he called the conflict in Papua a touchstone for Yudo Margono to change his approach in terms of handling it.
"The reorientation of the military in Papua and West Papua is still unclear, and this policy is a crucial touchstone for the future commander-in-chief," said Anton.
According to Anton, policy changes in Papua are important.
This is because the problem in Papua so far has not received any significant changes.
Moreover, said Anton, the situation in Papua is still a significant national security issue.
"On the other hand, clarity on how to approach non-violence and post-DOB military reorientation in Papua is important considering that so far what has emerged is rumors regarding the plan to add a number of territorial commands to Bumi Cenderawasih,"
Meanwhile, the Papuan people strongly support taking firm action against the Papuan separatist group. Without security forces guarding their territory, residents are threatened by terror from separatist groups.
Romario Gonzaga
Papuan Observer