Abepura Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commisionaire M.W. Asmuruf, who led the disbanding of the post when negotiated with students – Jubi
Jayapura, Jubi – Police in Abepura dismantled a student post supporting Papua’s membership in the Melanesian Support Group (MSG).
“We did it under the instruction of Papua Police through Jayapura Sector Police. It came based on the request of Third Assistant Rector for student affairs representing the campus authority,” Abepura Police Chief Adjunct Senior Commisionaire M.W. Asmuruf, who led the disbanding of the post, told reporters.
The post was set up by activists from Youth and Student Movement (GempaR), Independent Student Forum (FIM), Student Executive Body of Jayapura Technology and Science University (USTJ) and Student Executive Body of Umel Mandiri on 6 June 2015 at 18:30 Papua time.
He said the police’s action was in accordance with procedures.
His office received the request from the campus authority to Papua Police to remove the post since it was considered disturbing the academic activities.
Before the post was demolished, police verbally warned the students to disperse.
“We gave them some time until 5pm. But they kept staying there. So we came to dismantle the post. We passed them our letter of command,” he said.
Meanwhile, Third Assistant Rector of Cenderawasih University, Fredrik Sokoy admitted that campus authority asked the demolition of the post to the police. There are three reasons underlying this request. First, it disturbed the campus comfort; second, the students’ activities were excluded of the academic study; and third, it wasn’t internal campus organization that established the post. “I have told them through Student Executive Body to express their aspiration through academic studies,” Sokoy said.
However, the man who is very close to the students said the campus authority was forced taking this decision. The security authorities pressed the campus authority to immediately address the student movement.
“I am also under pressure. Let’s say it is connected with security issue. They constantly push me, why I couldn’t deal with this campus. How could I just leave it?” Sokoy explained about his situation since the students decided to set up a post in the campus.
Meanwhile, GempaR activist Samuel Womsiwor stated the post dismantling would not sweep away the ideology that they fight for with dignified ways, away from what was accused by campus authority. “This demolition would not disperse us. We will stick together and exist for sovereign Papua. We believe for whatever has been done right now, one day Papua would become MSG member and free,” said Womsiwor. (Jubi/Mawel/rom)
