Pigai: Security in Central Papua must remain humane

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has asked the Central Papua Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) to prioritise a humane approach in maintaining security and running government in the region.

Pigai made the statement during a meeting with Central Papua Forkopimda in Nabire on Sunday evening, after hearing input from local government officials, the Indonesian Military (TNI), the National Police (Polri), the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), the prosecutor’s office and other relevant parties regarding conditions in Central Papua.

According to Pigai, there was a shared view among these various elements on the need to improve conditions for the public, although a number of obstacles still need to be resolved.

“I have concluded that, in essence, you all want something good, but there are obstacles. Well, those obstacles will be our part to address,” he said.

Pigai said the various inputs conveyed by the public and government elements would serve as notes for the government to follow up.

He asked the regional government and security forces to protect the public and ensure that policies are oriented towards solving problems and improving welfare.

According to Pigai, Central Papua receives attention from the central government, so the performance of government and security elements in the region is also under scrutiny.

He said the regional government, police, TNI, BIN, prosecutor’s office and other stakeholders have a role in ensuring that government policies have an impact on the public.

Pigai reminded that handling issues in Central Papua should not be oriented solely towards the security aspect, but must also pay attention to the protection and welfare of the people.

“Protect the people as well, love the people. These people are our people, sir. Our lives are only short. What matters now is that we are the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Build the people, ensure the people’s welfare. We can only do that, and we will do our best,” he said.

The dialogue took place amid efforts by the regional government and security forces to maintain security in Central Papua following a number of security developments in the region.

The central and regional governments are also continuing to coordinate on handling displaced persons, restoring public services and protecting the public in Central Papua.