Explosion in Biak Serves as Safety Alarm
The Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Dave Laksono, believes that the explosion of a leftover World War II bomb in Biak Numfor, Papua, must serve as a serious warning that remnants of past conflicts still pose a real threat to public safety. According to Dave, this incident should not be viewed merely as a security issue, but as a momentum to strengthen risk mitigation measures in regions with histories of conflict and past military activity.
“This event serves as a reminder that the legacy of past conflicts can still hold real safety risks for the community, particularly in areas that were significant battlefields during the war,” Dave stated on Wednesday.
He explained that Indonesia possesses several regions that still contain wartime remnants. Consequently, the government needs to strengthen continuous mapping and data collection efforts regarding locations that potentially harbour dangerous explosives. Furthermore, Dave emphasised the importance of establishing more systematic detection and handling mechanisms so that potential threats from remaining ammunition or explosives can be anticipated early.
Commission I of the House of Parliament, he continued, is encouraging the government, alongside the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), local governments, and relevant agencies, to conduct a thorough evaluation of procedures for identifying, securing, and destroying explosives found in the field.
In addition, Dave assessed that public education must be strengthened. Socialisation is considered vital so that citizens understand the necessary steps when encountering suspected ammunition or explosives, namely to report them immediately to the authorities and avoid attempting to handle them personally.
Nevertheless, Dave remains optimistic that the government possesses adequate capacity to handle such issues. He noted that Indonesia has the experience and capability to manage dangerous explosives through competent specialised units. He believes that the evaluation following the Biak incident will strengthen inter-agency coordination and raise safety standards in areas with histories of conflict or military activity.
According to Dave, the primary focus at this time is to ensure that victims receive optimal care, to uncover the full cause of the incident, and to implement preventative measures to ensure similar events do not recur. “Public safety must be the top priority in every follow-up action taken by the government and all stakeholders,” he concluded.