Mentioning KKB Changed to OPM, Komnas HAM Hopes the Government Takes a Measured Approach – 2024-04-12 18:40:35

TNI soldiers show evidence of long-barreled weapons during a press conference regarding the arrest of members of the Papuan Separatist Terrorist Group (Antara)

The National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) still needs to study the implications of the change in the designation of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) to the Free Papua Organization (OPM) carried out by the Indonesian National Army (TNI).

Nevertheless, Chairman of Komnas HAM Atnike Nova Sigiro said that the government, as mentioned by TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto, has the authority and consideration over the choice of this term.

Komnas HAM hopes that the government will continue to prioritize a measured approach in security policies in Bumi Cenderawasih. Moreover, Atnike said the situation in Papua was worrying in the last few weeks with casualties both civilians and TNI/Polri officers.

“Komnas HAM hopes that the government will continue to use a measured approach to ensure that there are no casualties and human rights violations,” said Atnike in a written statement to Media Indonesia, Thursday (11/4).

Apart from that, his party also requested that law enforcement in Papua be carried out against every perpetrator of violence, including armed civilian groups.

“Komnas HAM hopes that through law enforcement and improving public services, the government can expand the peaceful ecosystem in Papua,” stressed Atnike.

Also read: 5 KKB members shot dead in Intan Jaya

Separately, Agus explained that the policy of changing the name of the Papuan KKB followed the naming by the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), which he considered to be the same as the OPM. For the TNI, OPM has carried out acts of terror and murder against civilians and the TNI/Polri as well as raping teachers and health workers.

He emphasized that the presence of TNI soldiers in Papua is basically to provide services to the Papuan people in terms of education and health.

“But we are always disturbed. Two days ago, it was the same. Even though we were going to provide community service assistance to the people there. Why should we leave it alone?” said Agus. (Tri/Z-7)