Firm and Measurable

Another soldier in the Indonesian Military (TNI) was killed while on duty in Nduga regency, Papua. He was shot by an armed criminal group led by Egianus Kogoya.

KOMPAS/BAHANA PATRIA GUPTA

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono gives a press statement at the Juanda Air Force Base Ops, Sidoarjo, East Java, Tuesday (18/4/2023).

So far, there have been at least four attacks by armed criminal groups (KBB) against security forces this year alone. They occurred in the districts of Nduga, Yahukimo, Puncak and Puncak Jaya. In these four attacks, three members of the Army and one police officer were killed.

In the last attack by Egianus’ group, apart from killing First Pvt. Miftahul Arifin, the whereabouts of several of his colleagues are also currently unknown. They were attacked while trying to rescue Susi Air pilot Philip Mehrtens.

TNI commander Adm. Yudo Margono, Army chief of staff Gen. Dudung Abdurachman and Army Strategic Reserves commander Lt. Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak are currently in Mimika regency for moral support, which is important for soldiers in the field.

Also read:

> Four Soldiers Injured, First Pvt. Miftahul’s Body Not Yet Recovered

> Five TNI Soldiers still Sought for After a Shooting Contact in Nduga

On the other hand, from a public perspective according to the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), the government, especially the TNI and National Police, must conduct a reevaluation. He asked the government, TNI and police to ensure the security and safety of the soldiers in the search for the pilot (kompas.id, Monday, 17 March 2023).

Based on the photos that have been circulating, Egianus’ group is no longer armed with only machetes, arrows and homemade weapons. They are now in possession of Steyr AUG assault rifles and mini-class light machine guns. Apart from controlling the Nduga region, which is dominated by mountainous tropical forests with an altitude of 1,500-2,500 meters above sea level, they have adapted to the highlands with minimal oxygen conditions since childhood.

KOMPAS

The operation to free the hostage of Susi Air pilot Philip Mehrtens has not been successful. The current conditions, the release operation was expanded to four districts namely Nduga, Lanny Jaya, Yahukimo and Puncak Papua districts.

Egianus’ group was also involved in the PK-HVU Twin Otter shooting in June 2018. They once took 15 teachers and paramedics hostage at Mapenduma as well. This group was also responsible for an attack that killed 17 workers at PT Istaka Karya in 2018 and the attack on Nogolait village, Kenyam district, which killed 10 villagers.

These attacks have been criticized by many, including the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) and Amnesty International. These acts committed by armed criminal groups are extraordinary crimes, which means firm and fair attitudes are needed to end this violence and ensure the law is upheld.

Also read:

> Mission to Rescue Susi Air Pilot Continues

> Peace Efforts First Priority in Releasing NZ Pilot

Egianus’ group’s last attack showed military operations in Papua must be well-prepared and supported with equipment and an adequate budget. The government, TNI and police do not need to be nervous, doubtful or divisive. This attitude is necessary to ensure law enforcement is carried out thoroughly, decisively and measurably, and not blindly, which can trigger citizens’ antipathy.

Peaceful dialogue and negotiation efforts involving trusted community leaders must also be attempted.

However, armed operations and law enforcement are necessary to ensure security, the people’s right to life and to fulfill the people’s rights to basic services and development. This cycle of violence in Papua must end.

This article was translated by Kesya Adhalia.