Koma.id – Indonesia is not a colonizing country for its people, the proof is that this nation has committed to advancing its entire territory, including Papua. Even the government is showing serious attention to development in Papua. Especially to improve the welfare of the people of Papua and advance education in the region.
Starting with allocating a significant budget for infrastructure, health, education, and the economic sector in Papua. In recent years, the construction of roads, bridges, and other public facilities has continued to improve connectivity and expand accessibility in Papua.
Prabowo dan Presiden Jerman Sepakat Perkuat Kerja Sama Strategis di Sektor Ekonomi hingga Energi
Education is also the main focus of the government’s attention to the people of Papua. Programs such as scholarships and allocations of funds for the improvement of educational facilities have been implemented to provide better access to education for Papuan children.
Meanwhile, according to Gabriel Lele, researcher and lecturer at the Department of Management and Public Policy at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), in the midst of the government starting to intensively carry out development in Papua since 2016, the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) is actively interfering.
Specifically, by various acts of violence such as attacks on civilian apparatus, kidnappings, and hostage-taking.
He conveyed this in a dialogue organized by the Foreign Policy Community Indonesia (FPCI) Chapter of the University of Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) with the title Acts of Violence and Terrorism by Separatist Groups in Papua some time ago.
“Separatist motives have become the main motive and the escalation of separatist motives has started to increase very significantly since 2016.” said Gabriel on the FPCI UMY YouTube channel.
Meanwhile, according to the results of the Koma.id editorial summary, the KKB was involved in various criminal acts, including violence and human rights violations, including:
1. Attacks on security forces: The KKB has carried out attacks on police, military, and security posts. They used firearms to attack and kill security forces.
2. Attacks on civilians: The KKB has also attacked civilians deemed to be government collaborators or immigrants. These attacks involved gun attacks, house burnings, and physical assaults.
For example, a civilian named Yeferson Sayuri was shot dead by the KKB in the chest on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The victim was a Senso operator.
3. Hijacking and kidnapping: KKB has hijacked airplanes in the Papua region. They have also kidnapped and taken hostage civilians and project workers.
For example, New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens is still being held hostage by the KKB in Nduga, Papua. They also took hostage four Telkomsel tower base transceiver station (BTS) project workers in the Okbab District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency.
4. Extortion: KKB was involved in the extortion of companies, contractors, and local residents. They ask for money or goods.
For example, the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya often extorted residents or companies that were carrying out work in Nduga Regency, Papua.
5. Weapons smuggling: This group is also involved in the smuggling of firearms and drugs in the Papua region. They use the funds obtained from illegal activities to strengthen their group.
For example, the Boven Digoel Resort Police The authorities managed to thwart the smuggling of 4 firearms and 18 rounds of ammunition for the Pegunungan Bintang Armed Criminal Group. The authorities also arrested 2 residents at the Iwot Boven Digoel Traditional Harbor. Both intend to bring these weapons to the KKB.
