Central Government Fully Committed to Restoring Security in Wamena
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk has affirmed that the central government is fully present to restore security in Wamena, Papua Pegunungan, following conflicts that have impacted communities in the region.
In a coordination meeting on the development of the security situation in Wamena, Papua Pegunungan on Saturday, Ribka said the government would ensure that conflict resolution is carried out comprehensively by prioritizing community recovery until conditions return to normal.
“On behalf of the Minister of Home Affairs, representing the Central Government, I would like to express our highest appreciation and gratitude to the people of Wamena and all development components who have made efforts to provide assistance,” said Ribka in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
The coordination meeting was attended by the Governor of Papua Pegunungan, regents, elements of the TNI-Polri (National Armed Forces - Indonesian Police), the Papuan People’s Council (MRP), the Customary Community Institution (LMA), religious leaders, community leaders, and a number of other stakeholders.
Ribka appreciated the rapid response from the community in helping affected residents and maintaining control during the conflict.
“First, to the people of Wamena who immediately took swift action and carried out good deeds to help each other and calm them down,” she said.
She asked the provincial and district governments to immediately collect data on affected residents and calculate the needs for handling together with the eight districts in Papua Pegunungan.
According to Ribka, the results of the data collection will be the basis for the government in determining support funding through the district APBD (Regional Budget), provincial APBD, or central government assistance.
“Together we are all responsible. This data collection will be the basis for calculating how much the government can help affected residents,” she said.
Ribka emphasized that all government elements, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and security forces have agreed to stop the conflict and prioritize community social recovery.
“We have stated that there are no more conflicts. Now we focus on resolving governance issues and recovering affected communities,” she said firmly.
The Ministry of Home Affairs will also facilitate the preparation of a Special Regional Regulation (Perdasus) regarding conflict resolution in the eight districts of Papua Pegunungan so that the handling process has a clear legal basis.
In addition to leading the coordination meeting, Ribka and local government officials visited burned houses, hospitals, and evacuation sites to ensure that basic community needs are met.
The government is also preparing for the gradual return of refugees after the security situation is declared stable.
“The point is that people must return to normal life, and people can carry out activities as usual. Economic, educational, and health activities should all run well,” said Ribka.