The recent arrests of nearly 1,500 protesters in Jayapura are part of a broader systematic oppression of Papuans by the Indonesian government – Jubi
Jayapura, Jubi – A member of the Papua Legislative Counci,l Ruben Magai, said the news that indigenous Papuans have died in gun violence was not a new thing, whether by unidentified groups or the military/police personnel.
He said after Indonesian President Soekarno launched Tri Komando Rakyat (Trikora/Three People’s Command) on 19 December 1961, the state has always used guns to control indigenous Papuans.
In a recent incident, mobile brigade police personnel allegedly shot a 15-year old teenager in Sugapa, Intan Jaya
“I think these ways have been occurred since long time ago. Since Trikora, the indigenous Papuans have become the victims. no other way used by this country except doing the violation by State’s apparatus. Many cases are not finished. Now Papuan people are confusing where to find justice,” said Magai to Jubi on Thursday (8/9/2016).
According to him, the indigenous Papuans have been traumatic; furthermore Papua was the Military District Operation. At that time, the Indonesian Military known as ABRI was more dominant. Now their role was taken over by the Police while it is the law enforcement among the people.
“It is not a new thing. It has been occurred for decades if the perpetrators were part of security apparatus, even they had a legal process. It doesn’t work. It is wasted. At the end the perpetrators would be released. The military/police approach in Papua was different with other regions. No human approach,” he said.
He said the approach used by the security apparatus in Papua showed their education and knowledge on human rights violation is still low, though their slogan is to serve and to protect.
“Now the approach is no longer human, but violence approach. If people were drunk or lost control, they need to be reminded not to be shot dead as happened in Sugapa. The Police didn’t carry out their duty properly. It seems they have lost control,” he said.
Other Papuan legislator, Emus Gwijangge considered most of security officers in Papua might not know their task and duty very well. “Consequently there are some culprits have wounded their institution because of their arrogance,” said Emus to Jubi some times ago.
He said using the guns in facing the civilians is not a solution. It is the out-of-dated ways applied by the old order. The security force should use a persuasive way to handle the problems among the community. (*/rom)
