Pes Yanengga, Jayapura – Papuan students have called on President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to immediately withdraw TNI (Indonesian military) and Polri (Indonesian police) troops from Puncak regency, Central Papua Province. According to the students, the presence of non-organic troops has triggered an increase in violence against civilians.

Puncak High School and University Student Community (KMPP) General Secretary Urnius Matuwan stated that allegations of discrimination, intimidation and other kinds of violence have been increasingly massive since the placement of TNI and Polri troop in Puncak. Therefore, they reject their placement in the district.

"We urge President Joko Widodo to immediately withdraw Indonesian military forces that control civilian areas in Sinak, Oneri and Agandugume. The presence of these troops continues to increase the violence against communities", said Matuwan when reading out a statement during a press conference at the Sinak student dormitory in Jayapura City on Wednesday July 10.

Based on Jayapura KMPP records, the escalation of violence in Puncak often targets women and children. One such case was the shooting of Makilon Tabuni, who was only 12 years old, in February 2022. In addition to this, there was the murder and mutilation of Tarina Murib in March 2023.

"On May 6, 2023, there was also the shooting of Panius Tabuni, a school principal in Sinak, along with two students. On February 3, 2024, there was the torture of Warinus Murib and two of his friends", said Matuwan.

Matuwan continued saying the increase in the cases of violence has also resulted in the flow of internally displaced people in the past month. Dozens of residents from Sinak, Yugumuak, Mageabume Oneri and Agandugume have fled to Wamena in Jayawijaya.

Matuwan also regretted the attitude of the district government and the Puncak regency Regional House of Representatives (DPRK) who seem not to care about the fate of residents who are increasingly hemmed by the placement of TNI and Polri troops.

"So far the DPRK has not paid serious attention to the conditions of the people who are traumatised by the presence of the Indonesian military. It is as if acting Regent Darwin Tobing is also closing his eyes to the presence of TNI troops in Puncak", said Matuwan.

In their statement, the Jayapura KMPP also rejected the construction of a logistics warehouses in Agandugume. According to Matuwan, this opposition is in line with the attitude of residents, the church and local community leaders.

"The TNI and the Puncak regency government forced through the construction of [the logistics warehouse]. Stop it [construction] right now", said Matuwan.

[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was " Masahisa Serukan Penarikan Pasukan Militer Dari Puncak".]

Source: https://jubi.id/polhukam/2024/mahasiswa-serukan-penarikan-pasukan-militer-dari-puncak/