TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Police ensured the legal process against Papuan college students who were suspected in the alleged cases of racism in Surabaya would be continued.

“We will surely continue the process. Some of the suspects are undergoing trials, and some have been in the second stage of the process,” said National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Argo Yuwono at his office, South Jakarta, Tuesday, November 26.

A total of 80 Papuans were named suspects in a series of racist incidents to date. As for details, Argo added, 10 people in Timika, 14 in Paniai, 18 in Wamena, and 37 in Jayapura. “In principle, suspects must be held accountable for their actions,” he remarked.

Papua Special Committee (Pansus) of the Regional Legislative Council (DPD) demanded the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud Md to release Papuan students who were detained after the conflict in the province.

"We have asked the minister to take immediate steps, to free all Papuan students as soon as possible," the Papua Special Committee chief Filep Wamafma said after a meeting with Mahfud in Jakarta, Monday, November 25.

Filep emphasized that Papuan students are the young generation that needed to be trained and saved. Moreover, Filep considered the issue that had made them arrested was based on politics.

ANDITA RAHMA | EGI ADYATAMA