Papua unstable: Presidential spokesman

Bagus BT Saragih, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 06/06/2012 7:59 PM

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Julian Aldrin Pasha: Presidential spokesman. (JP)

Recent shootings and stabbings in Papua were proof that the situation in the country’s easternmost region was still far from conducive, Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said on Wednesday.

“Movements by separatist groups are still rampant both in Papua and West Papua provinces. We do not want this to happen all the time. Investigations are underway,” Julian told reporters at the State Palace compound.

Shootings by unidentified assailants have occurred in Papua for years but, so far, the police have yet to arrest any of the perpetrators.

“That’s because the geographical realities in Papua are difficult,” Julian said when asked about the matter.

Members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) were angrily screening civilians in Honai Lama, Wamena, after two of the force’s members were attacked by an angry mob in the regional capital of Jayawijaya regency, Papua, on Wednesday afternoon local time. One of the military officers, identified as First Pvt. Ahmad Sahlan, was stabbed to death as the result of the attack.

Official reports said that the two soldiers were attacked by residents of Honai Lama after the two men almost hit a child while driving a motorcycle in the region. However, unconfirmed reports said that the child died after being hit by the two men.

In Jayapura, the provincial capital of Papua, three people, including a military officer, were shot by unidentified assailants on Tuesday night.

A day earlier, Gilbert Febrian Ma’dika, 16, survived a gunshot wound to his back by unknown assailants on a motorcycle, while university student Jimi Ajudh Purba, 19, was stabbed to death on Sunday.

Julian did not disclose the possibility of deploying more police and military officers to the region following the series of bloody incidents.

“We’ll see. Papua is special; thus, its management should also be special. If there is a request from the police, the TNI will proactively provide backup to ensure stability in the province so that Papuans do not become restless,” the spokesman said.

Also on Wednesday, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Djoko Suyanto said the incidents would undermine the government’s efforts to promote peace and development in Papua.

“The police, with assistance from the military, must immediately bring the perpetrators to justice,” Djoko said.

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