Police Accuse Nduga Humanitarian Team of Being OPM's Ally
Translator
Dewi Elvia Muthiariny
Editor
Laila Afifa
Rabu, 14 Agustus 2019 21:11 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Police (Polri) has firmly denied an accusation saying that they and Indonesian Armed Force (TNI) are the ones to blame for the security and social instability in Nduga regency, Papua.
National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Dedi Prasetyo claimed TNI and police officers in the region provide safety assurance to the locals.
Dedi said that the accusation is voiced by a supporter of the criminal armed group (KKB), the National Liberation Army of West Papua-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM).
“That’s an opinion from the KKB’s ally as they are not free to intimidate the people and control the district because TNI and Polri always give safety guarantee,” said Dedi to Tempo on Wednesday, August 14.
When asked about the impact of trauma and the number of casualties due to the fear towards the authorities, Dedi considered it as a mere supporter’s assumption.
“That’s what they said. The fact is people feel safe and is able to run their daily activities,” Dedi added.
Previously, Theo Hesegem, the director of Papua Justice and Welfare Foundation (YKKMP) who also joins the humanitarian team, urged President Jokowi immediately withdraw the TNI and police troops as they are the root cause of the safety and social instability in Nduga district.
HALIDA BUNGA
