What Matters Most is to Forgive Each Other, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi delivers a press statement related to the riots in Papua, on the veranda of the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (19/8). (Photo by: Agung/PR)

In the wake of protests that broke out in Papua over racism abuse, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called on the public to remain calm and to forgive each other.

“My fellow citizens, pace (brothers) and mace (sisters), and mama-mama (mothers) in Papua and West Papua, I know there are some grievances. However, as fellow citizens, the most important thing is to forgive one another,” President Jokowi told reporters at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (19/8).

The statement was made by the President Jokowi in response to rallies that turned into riots in the Papuan town of Jayapura and the West Papuan cities of Manokwari and Sorong on Monday (19/8).

The riots were sparked by alleged racial abuse towards Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang some time ago.

Addressing the Papuans in the local form of speech, the President said that it is better to forgive and be patient, while  stressing that the Government will continue to maintain dignity and prosperity of pace, mace, mama-mama in the provinces of Papua and West Papua.

In the meantime, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Wiranto has earlier said that he has instructed related personnel to conduct a thorough and fair investigation for anyone considered to have violated the law in this incident. Wiranto also called on the public not to be provoked and affected by hoaxes that may hurt unity, peace and solidarity as a dignified nation.

“We ensure 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 public (who staged the protests). (HIM/AGG/ES)

Translated by: Muhardi

Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas