A driver who provides transportation services in the mountainous region of Papua was the victim of violence perpetrated by the Free Papua Movement.
This is just one of many examples of civilians who were arrested and then executed by the military wing of the OPM, simply because they were not indigenous Papuans. This driver happened to be from Tanah Toraja. Prior to this, there had been other victims, particularly from the lower socioeconomic classes providing services in the interior, such as vendors or motorcycle taxi drivers. Incident after incident continues to occur, and everyone fears that the hoped-for peace in Papua will not materialize.
Ismail Assow is a prominent figure in the Papua Pegunungan community. He noted that violence is indeed widespread in the Papua Pegunungan region and in Central Papua areas where the indigenous Papuan population is concentrated.
Ismail noted that in cities, people vent their protests through demonstrations. In the Papua Highlands, acts of violence and killings may serve as a similar form of expression. Moreover, from the very beginning, this group has had only one aspiration: separation or disintegration.
Unfortunately, a peaceful dialogue process has never taken place. Instead, the central government’s repressive actions have intensified, particularly through a military approach. Violence begetting violence is a manifestation of this situation.
Ismail acknowledged that there is indeed a very high level of hostility in areas of concentration, where the indigenous Papuans currently survive in the mountainous regions. Ismail likened this to a situation in which indigenous Papuans are oppressed and hunted down, and in turn, they defend themselves, leading to violence targeting ethnic groups outside Papua.
“The city of Wamena, the capital of Papua Pegunungan Province, is completely surrounded and controlled down to every inch of land by Agianus Kogoya’s group,” added Ismail.
In such a violent situation, anyone whether a Papuan or a non Papuan can be viewed as an informant for the security forces. The OPM has already designated the mountainous region as a war zone, and as a result, they are operating as if in a state of war.
Ismail acknowledged that the indigenous Papuans need everyone anyone, regardless of ethnicity to sustain their way of life. They need doctors, nurses, teachers, service providers such as drivers, and various other professions provided by non-Papuans. But in a situation fraught with pressure and threats, Papuans in the mountains tend to defend themselves, fighting to survive and stay safe. In such a situation, Ismail said, the process of dialogue is actually even more necessary. But to date, no efforts have been made, so what emerges is violence after violence.
The political situation in Papua is generally not conducive. Many regents, mayors, and politicians are not Papuans. The political aspirations of local residents are also not adequately addressed. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) a process similar to the one in South Africa initiated by Nelson Mandela has also failed to be established in Papua.
We need them. We are also brothers and sisters. And the Papuan people also need the Chinese, Arabs, Butonese, and Ambonese they were already there decades before the Indonesian state existed. And we, as Papuans, are one united people. Why has this issue arisen? Because there is structural state violence against the Papuan people.Ismail Assow
Poverty also plagues Papua. Ismail gave the example of a small territory in the Pacific called Caledonia, which actually wants to remain part of France because its people feel they are treated fairly there. Meanwhile, ever since it became part of Indonesia, Papua has consistently been the poorest province, even though it is recognized as possessing extraordinary natural resources.
