Fahri Hamzah Worried over Jokowi Belittling Papua Unrest

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives (DPR) deputy speaker Fahri Hamzah pressed President Joko Widodo or Jokowi immediately take measures to resolve the racism case that triggered multiple riots in Papua.

“Dear Pak President, please take prompt action. Do something that soothes the raging soul of Papua. Have you heard it yet? That’s true then, there are huge walls around you, your ears are clogged with wet tissues if you don’t hear it,” said Fahri in a written statement, Thursday, August 29.

Fahri expressed his uneasiness over the government’s ability to acknowledging the complexity of the problem and fear about their skill in using old and new mandates to handle the existing dynamic.

“I’m worried they belittle the problems until we regret it and then no longer feel sorry [about it],” he said.

The House’s coordinator of people welfare division reminded that Papua is the legal child of Indonesia, not an adopted child, let alone a step one.

“We are the ones who hurt them. Express regret and apologize if we want to still be considered as parents and relatives,” Fahri remarked.

More rallies rejecting the acts of racism against Papuan students in Surabaya and Malang turned into riots. The building of Papua People’s Assembly (MRP) on Jalan Raya Abepura was burned, as well as several buildings and stores, by protesters. The riot also broke out in Deiyai and claimed three lives; two civilians and one Indonesian Military (TNI) member.

DEWI NURITA