NU: Separatism far more dangerous than terrorism

Jakarta, NU Online
Following a number of Indonesian Military (TNI) members  that were shot by a group of armed civilians recently in Kalome village, Puncak Jaya regency, Papua, there have been at least two crucial matters in dealing with separatist movements.

Chairman of the Indonesia's largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Slamet Effendy Yusuf made the remarks here on Friday, saying that the two should be taken into account by all parties in the country.

First, in addition to still existing, the separatist movements have also been active in making upheavals in the region. Second, Slamet said, the Papua's tragedy indicated that there has been no a seriousness from the government in cracking down on the separatists.

Slamet urged the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's administration to pay more attention to any possible movement being capable of threatening the Uunitary stat of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), adding that separatism was more dangerous than terrorism.

"Unfortunately,  following the situation in Papua there has been no adequate attention from the government and society," Slamet said, adding that the tragedy was not seen as a crucial issue if compared with political and security impacts caused by the separatists.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) members shot by a group of armed civilians as they were conducting a patrol were Pvt. second class Kadek from the 751/BS infantry battalion, who was shot in his right elbow; victim evacuation team member first class Sgt. Deni, shot in his right thigh, and chief Pvt. Fauzi, who was shot in his right arm.

They have been evacuated to the Aryoko Army Hospital in Jayapura on Wednesday, but TNI personnel prevented reporters from covering their arrival at the hospital.

“We were prohibited from entering the hospital and they asked us to stay outside. They yelled at us that the hospital was not a place to cover news,” a reporter said.

Cenderawasih Military Command spokesman Lt. Col. Ali Bogra could not be reached at his office or on his cell phone to confirm the incident.

The head of the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB), Mako Tabuni, told The Jakarta Post that the shoot-out between the soldiers and members of the Free Papua Movement National Freedom Army (TPN OPM) took place as the soldiers pursued TPN OPM leader Goliat Tabuni.

“The three soldiers were shot, while none of the insurgents were injured. The soldiers had been looking for Goliat for a week,” Mako said.

Mako added that the community service carried out by the TNI in Puncak Jaya was mainly aimed at finding Goliat. He said that, despite the presence of the social service, the security situation in Puncak Jaya remained hostile due to the rampant shootings.

Since the TNI began its community service operation on May 1 this year, the Post has reported three shootings. On May 25, first class Sgt. Kaman Nurdjaman from the Kopassus army special corps was shot in the head by an unidentified gunman while he was at the Ilu market in Puncak Jaya.

Pastor John Jonga, a human rights activist and the recipient of the Yap Thiam Hien Human Rights Award in 2009, expressed his concern over the frequent armed conflicts in Puncak Jaya and urged authorities to seek a solution that would end the prolonged conflict.

“Issues are not only limited to education, healthcare and social welfare, but state recognition of Papuan citizens. If there is a problem between Papua and Jakarta originating from the Pepera [Act of Free Choice vote that joined Papua with Indonesia] in 1969, or other issues before that, they must be resolved. If a mistake took place, admit it. In principle, if Papuans are respected, they will reciprocate,” Jonga said. (mkf)