DPD Papua Special Committee Focuses on Security and Public Safety

The Regional Representative Council’s (DPD) Special Committee on Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs in Papua has committed to focusing on the security and comfort of the Papuan people. This statement responds to recent incidents, including the fatal shooting of an American pilot in Yahukimo, Papua Pegunungan, and the death of a pregnant woman struck by a bullet in Intan Jaya, Papua Tengah.

During a press conference at the parliamentary complex in Jakarta, Deputy Speaker of the DPD and Chair of the Papua Special Committee, Yorrys Raweyai, stated that the committee, formed in May, held its inaugural meeting today. “We have just finalised the membership and today we begin scheduling discussions to inventory all the issues occurring in Papua, as this is not a new problem,” he said.

Raweyai added that the special committee will invite relevant stakeholders to delve into the issues in Papua and conduct advocacy visits to the region. This process aims to formulate comprehensive policy recommendations. “The DPD Papua Special Committee will focus on the security and comfort issues of the Papuan people, which are being disrupted by acts of violence, regardless of the alleged perpetrators,” he stated.

The senator from Central Papua further noted that the special committee seeks to bridge the concerns and anxieties of the Papuan people regarding rights they feel have not been properly accommodated. “The complexity of the issues in Papua shows that whatever events are occurring do not stand alone, but are the result of several causes that have not been adequately addressed,” he said.

Meanwhile, given that the conflict has caused people to flee their homes, the committee is also highlighting the issue of refugees, particularly the fulfilment of rights for vulnerable groups. The DPD Papua Special Committee requested support from all parties so that the resulting recommendations can realise security and comfort for the lives of the Papuan people.