Jayapura – The Armed Criminal Group (KKB) has acted again by setting fire to the Okbab State Elementary School (SDN) building, in Borban Village, Okbap District, Bintang Mountains Regency. This incident occurred on Friday, July 12 2024 and there were no casualties in this incident.
Head of Operations (Kaops) Peace Cartenz 2024, Brigadier General Pol. Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., when confirmed, said that the Okbab State Elementary School building was allegedly burned down by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) in the name of, KKB Memokon, Jender Siktaop Alias Usoki, Aquino Kaladana, Yuni Mimin and Enos Kakyarmabin.
“We really regret this incident, where the KKB burned down educational facilities where people could gain knowledge. This action not only harms children and teachers, but also damages the future of our young generation,” said Brigadier General Pol. Faizal Ramadhani.
According to Brigadier General Pol. Faizal, the act of burning down the school reflects an extraordinary crime that must be dealt with firmly. He emphasized that security forces will continue to make maximum efforts to arrest and punish the perpetrators of this crime.
“We will not remain silent. Strict law enforcement will continue to be carried out to ensure security and order in this area,” he added.
In line with this, the Head of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Ops Public Relations Task Force, Police Commissioner. Dr. Bayu Suseno, S.H., S.I.K., M.M., M.H., also strongly criticized the KKB’s actions.
According to Police Commissioner. Dr. Bayu Suseno, the KKB who carried out the action of burning down the school building, is suspected to be KKB Kodap XXXV Bintang Timur who previously carried out the shooting action against one of the residents, namely Senus Lepitalen’s brother, on June 6 2024 in Borme District, Bintang Mountains Regency. During the action, KKB was holding a long-barreled firearm.
“We condemn and regret this incident. The act of burning down the school by the KKB is a very inhumane act and cannot be tolerated. The Joint TNI-Polri apparatus and the Cartenz-2024 Peace Ops Task Force will strictly enforce the law against the perpetrators of this crime,” said the Commissioner of Police. . Bayu Suseno.
Police Commissioner. Bayu Suseno also added that this incident not only harmed the education sector, but also disturbed the peace and security of the local community.
“School is a place where children should feel safe and comfortable to learn. This action is very detrimental to society, especially children who should receive a good education,” he said.
Apart from that, Kombes Bayu also stated that his party would increase patrols and supervision in vulnerable areas to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents. “We will tighten security in conflict-prone areas and try to provide a sense of security to the community.
“We will not allow heinous acts like this to destroy the enthusiasm for learning of Papuan children,” concluded Police Commissioner Bayu Suseno.
The action of burning schools by the KKB adds to the long list of violence carried out by this group, which continues to disturb the community and disrupt security stability in Papua. The government and security forces continue to strive to overcome this security disturbance and restore conditions in the affected areas so that people can return to their activities in peace.
“The public is expected to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities,” appealed Commissioner Bayu.
