Barisan Merah Putih: Papua Security Situation Requires Serious Attention

Raja Ampat (ANTARA) — The Barisan Merah Putih Republik Indonesia (BMP RI) chapter in Raja Ampat has assessed that the security situation in Papua still requires serious attention from all parties, as it continues to affect the protection and safety of civilians.

BMP RI Raja Ampat chairman Herman Dimara, speaking in Waisai on Sunday, said incidents of violence in a number of conflict-affected areas are still occurring and claiming lives, including those of civilians.

“Over a prolonged period, almost every month, casualties continue to fall. The victims are civilians who do not understand the issues taking place in Papua,” he said.

According to Dimara, security conditions that have yet to become fully conducive pose a challenge to achieving a safe and prosperous life for the Papuan people.

He noted that the public fundamentally desires a peaceful atmosphere as well as access to proper education and healthcare services within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

Dimara said the presence of armed groups in several areas remains a threat to the community. The acts of violence, he added, have caused prolonged fear and unrest.

For this reason, BMP RI Raja Ampat has called on the state to assert its presence through firm and fair law enforcement in order to provide maximum protection to the public, particularly in areas still affected by conflict.

BMP RI Raja Ampat also condemned all forms of action amounting to humanitarian violations and expressed hope that the security situation can be swiftly restored so that communities can resume their social and economic activities normally.

Meanwhile, the central government has previously stated its commitment to continuing to drive development in Papua through infrastructure, education, health, and human resource development programmes.

BMP RI Raja Ampat expressed hope that all parties would exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue in order to create a safe and conducive atmosphere in Papua.