Dian Erika Nugraheny, Jakarta – Amnesty International Indonesia Executive Director Usman Hamid is calling for an end to the cycle of violence in Papua following the killing of 11 civilians in Nduga regency on Saturday July 16.
"It's time for the state to end the cycle of violence in Papua", said Hamid in a press release on Monday July 18.
"Currently a human rights crisis is occurring in Papua where almost every day violence occurs with casualties and perpetrators from various groups", said Hamid.
The killing of the 11 civilians occurred in Nogolait Village, Kenyam district, Nduga regency, Papua province. They were allegedly killed by an armed criminal group (KKB).
Hamid said that various parties from Papua activist groups, academics and students have urged the government to reevaluate the security approach being applied in Papua.
"The policy, which for decades has been applied in Papua has not in fact succeeded in ending human rights violations there and has instead caused even more civilian causalities", said Hamid.
Aside from reevaluating the security approach, Hamid believes that the government must correct its policies in Papua in their entirety.
"Starting from labeling them separatists and terrorists to centralistic policies such as [creating] new autonomous regions (DOB) and the Special Autonomy [Law on Papua] which was enacted without meaningful participation by indigenous Papuans", said Hamid.
"The state must avoid escalating conflicts which end with casualties and human rights violations, including reconsidering all policies which could give rise to this situation", said Hamid.
Speaking separately, Presidential Staff Deputy Chief (KSP) Jaleswari Pramodhawardani condemned the attack carried out by the KKB in Nduga.
"The government condemns it and shares in the sorrow of those injured and killed as a consequence of the criminal actions committed by the KKB", said Pramodhawardani in a press release on Saturday.
"The incident in Nduga regency is currently being handled by the police and the perpetrators will be prosecuted", continued Pramodhawardani.
The victims who died are Yulius Watu, Hubertus Goti, Daeng Marannu, Taufan Amir, Johan, Alex, Yuda Nurusingga, Nasjen, Mahmut Ismain and Eliaser Baner.
Baner, one of those who died, was a priest. Their bodies have already been evacuated to Timika, Mimika regency.
Meanwhile the two people who were injured were Sudirman and Hasdin.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "KKB Bantai 11 Warga Sipil di Nduga, Amnesty: Negara Harus Hentikan Siklus Kekerasan".]
