Jayapura- The West Papua National Committee (KNPB)’s action plan to commemorate August as the month of racism and the history of the New York Agreement by appealing to all Papuans to take a holiday on August 15, 2024, has received strong rejection from Tabi Youth Figure, Paul Ohee.
“We, the Tabi Youth and the Tabi indigenous people, firmly reject any demonstration on August 15, 2024,” said Paul Ohee in his statement on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
Paul Ohee firmly rejected the KNPB’s action plan which was considered not in line with the spirit of development in Papua. “We ask the security forces to take firm action against the KNPB if they take action in Jayapura City,” he said.
According to Paul Ohee, Papua in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is final and does not need to be debated anymore. “Currently, our task is to build this country, prepare human resources (HR) in the fields of education, health, economy and infrastructure, socio-culture to build this country,” he explained.
Furthermore, Paul Ohee emphasized that August is the commemoration of the 79th Anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Indonesia. He invited all Papuan people to celebrate this historic moment together. “Let’s celebrate the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia together with the spirit of unity,” he invited.
Paul Ohee also appealed to the Tabi indigenous people not to be provoked by issues that divide unity, both in terms of religion, customs, and culture in Tanah Tabi. “Tabi Tanah is a peaceful land where all tribes, religions, and races are here. It is fitting that we maintain this peace and there should be no more actions that harm the community, especially in Jayapura City,” he said.
He emphasized that Jayapura City is a pluralistic city and a city of education for all tribes and religions, so there should be no actions that disrupt order and security. “Jayapura City is a pluralistic city and also a city of education for all ethnicities and religions, so there should no longer be actions that occur like what has happened where people in this city became victims of property and lives,” he continued.
At the end of his statement, Paul Ohee asked all people in Jayapura City and security forces to jointly maintain public security and order (kamtibmas) especially in Tanah Tabi. “Let’s maintain kamtibmas together for the peace and welfare of all people in Tanah Tabi,” he concluded.
