Menteri Koordinator Politik, Hukum, dan Keamanan Mahfud MD kembali menegaskan bahwa KKB dan sayap bersenjata adalah kelompok teroris karena aksi kekerasan masif yang mereka lakukan.
By
Fabio M. Lopes Costa/Dian Dewi Purnamasari/Nobertus Arya Dwiangga Martiar
·4 minutes read
Kompas
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD
JAKARTA, KOMPAS - The government has categorized the armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua and its affiliated organizations as terrorist groups. Security measures imposed by the authorities on the insurgent groups are expected within the legal corridor in the framework of protecting civilians. However, some circles caution that the labeling of the KKB as terrorists might worsen the security situation in Papua.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Mahfud MD, at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday (29/4/2021), reiterated that KKB o and its armed wings were terrorist groups because of the massive violence they committed.
“The KKB has carried out brutal and massive killings and violence. Based on the definition of Law Number 5 of 2018 (concerning the eradication of terrorism), what has been committed by the KKB and all its affiliated organizations are terrorist acts," he said.
With this labeling, the government has asked the National Police, Indonesian Military (TNI) and the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) to take quick, strict and measured actions against the KKB. They are warned to avoid casualties among civilians.
Mahfud emphasized the importance for security forces in Papua to continue to build up the synergy.
"The Pangdam (regional military commander) and the Kapolda (regional police head) should coordinate with each other under the guidance of the National Police Chief and the TNI Commander so that field operations get more coordinated," he said.
The KKB has carried out brutal and massive killings and violence.
Based on Kompas records and data from the Papua Police, from January to April 27, 2021, the KKB launched 17 attacks, killing six security forces and six civilians as well as injuring four security officers and two civilians.
KKB also burned a school building, a private-operated helicopter and telecommunications facilities in several places in Puncak regency, Papua.
SIMA UNTUK KOMPAS
The body of the Papua Regional National Intelligence Agency Brigadier General I Gusti Putu Danny Nugraha was flown to Jakarta from Moses Kilangin Airport, Mimika Regency, Monday (26/4/2021). Danny Nugraha died in a firefight with an armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua.
Prioritizing persuasion
The labeling of the KKB as a terrorist group is seen by a number of circles as inappropriate.
John Gobay, a secretary of the Papuan Customary Council, expressed his concern, saying that the terrorist labeling would worryingly increase security operations.
"Heightened operations will have an impact on local communities. A solution for a peaceful Papua will not materialize,” he said.
John suggested the government opt for a persuasion approach with security forces turning to community elders to act as facilitators for a dialog with the KKB.
“A persuasion approach is expected to be able to prevent a repeat of casualties. The regional government together with community and religious leaders can play a role in dialogs with the OPM (Free Papua Organization), "he added.
Central Initiative Executive Board chair Al Araf also voiced his cautiousness over the KKB labeling as a terrorist, saying that it would potentially increase public distrust on the government.
"It could even worsen the situation and fuel security tension. In the end, it does not become a conflict resolution, but instead creates new problems," he said.
As revealed by the results of researches conducted by academics, Al Araf added, the root of the problem in Papua is historically multi-dimensional, with economic injustice, issues of marginalization, violence and cases of human rights are unresolved yet.
Therefore, the conflict in Papua should be approached more inclusively and comprehensively through dialogue.
In the end, it does not become a conflict resolution, but instead creates new problems.
Responding to the demand for dialogue, Mahfud said the government had so far talked to community elders, religious leaders and the chair board of the Papuan representatives council.
In dialogues, he said, the majority of them stated their aspirations about Papua development and rejection to separatist movement.
Frits Ramandey, head of National Commission for Human Rights of Papuan chapter, said that with the government labeling KKB as terrorist organization, the commission would continue the monitoring to ensue security measures as part of law enforcement duties by the military and police would not become an affront to human rights.
