Gov’t Guarantees Security Following Papua Protests
Political, Legal and Security Coordinating Minister Wiranto delivers a press statement related to developments in Papua, at the Office of Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Jakarta, Monday (19/8). (Photo by: Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs PR)
The Government regretted the protests that broke out on Monday morning in the Papuan town of Jayapura and the West Papuan cities of Manokwari and Sorong on Monday (19/8).
The protests were sparked by the incident of racial abuse of Papuan students in Surabaya who were accused to have discarded the Indonesian flag near their dorms.
The statement was made by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto in a press statement on Monday (19/8) following rallies that descended into riots in Manokwari Regency, Papua.
“We have instructed our personnel to conduct a thorough and fair investigation to anyone considered to have violated the law in this incident,” said Wiranto.
Wiranto also gave appreciation to Governor of East Java Khofifah Indar Parawansa who apologized (for the racial abuse) to those who felt offended by the incidents in Surabaya and Malang.
“I also appreciate Governor of Papua who has delivered statements and appealed to the public not to prolong this incident and to restore peace and West Papua’s regional leadership communication forum (Forkompimda) which managed to calm the community and maintain peace and security in their respective regions,” said Wiranto.
Wiranto also called on the public not to be provoked and affected by hoaxes that may harm unity, peace and solidarity of the nation. “The Government provides full guarantees for security stability in all regions,” he said.
The Minister also called on personnel of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri) to always adopt persuasive and measured approaches against the people. (SM/ES)
Translated by: Muhardi
Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas
