DPD Special Committee Urges Roadmap for Conflict Resolution in Papua
The Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) Special Committee for Papua is pushing for a national evaluation of conflict management in Papua, which has been intensifying in recent times.
The Vice Chairman of the DPD Papua Special Committee, Filep Wamafma, stated that the government must immediately formulate a roadmap so that conflict handling in Papua becomes more measurable and comprehensive.
“There must be a national evaluation of Papua conflict management and the establishment of a resolution roadmap with time targets, success indicators, division of responsibilities, and oversight mechanisms,” Filep said in a statement on Thursday (17/9).
This proposal was presented during an audience held by the DPD Special Committee at the Mimika Regent’s office, which was also attended by representatives from the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM), and local community leaders. During the session, the committee delved into the conditions of refugees, victims of violence, education, and healthcare services.
Citing data from Komnas HAM, Filep noted that during the first semester of 2024, there were 42 incidents of violence and armed conflict in Papua, resulting in 59 deaths and 50 injuries. Of the 59 fatalities, 43 were civilians, eight were members of the TNI/Polri, and eight were members of armed civilian groups.
“Behind every figure, there are humans, families, and children who have lost their homes, and whose education, health, and livelihoods have been disrupted,” said Filep.
According to him, these conditions demonstrate the urgency of a thorough evaluation of strategies for resolving armed conflict in Papua. He stated that the government needs to possess a comprehensive and measurable strategy.
Furthermore, he urged the government to form an investigation team to probe several recent cases of violence.
“The President must take immediate action by forming an investigation team, a reconciliation team, or a dialogue team to ensure Papua is safe and peaceful,” said Filep.
Filep added that the findings of the DPD Papua Special Committee will serve as material for further discussion. He noted that the measure of success in handling Papua is not merely whether the conflict ceases, but whether the community can return to their villages safely, children can return to school, and healthcare services can function.
“We must not allow the community to be returned to their villages only to find that schools are not functioning, health facilities are unavailable, houses have not been built, and the security situation fails to provide a sense of safety,” he concluded.