31/08/2025
Berita Utama

Armed Criminal Groups Must Be Eradicated to End Papua’s Suffering

Papua – For years, Armed Criminal Groups (KKB) have been a source of instability in Papua, undermining peace and serving as a primary cause of the local population’s suffering. In their campaign, which they claim is for independence, KKB has instead become a threat to the welfare and livelihood of the Papuan people.

The violence, terror, and killings carried out by these groups not only harm the government but, most tragically, impact vulnerable communities they purport to protect. For a peaceful and prosperous future for all of Papua and the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), the KKB must be eliminated.

The violent actions of KKB have had widespread and deep effects. These acts not only cause material loss but also inflict trauma and fear among Papuans. KKB has repeatedly targeted civilians whom they label government collaborators or accuse of opposing their goals.

These armed groups attack villages, burn homes, and even kill residents indiscriminately. Ironically, during various violent acts, KKB frequently uses Papuans as shields or propaganda tools, further deteriorating social and economic conditions in Papua.

Most recently, KKB reportedly committed another act of terror, shooting dead a stationery vendor, Jamaludin alias Daenf Eppe (51). The shooting occurred while Jamaludin was working on his laptop and watching TV with his wife, Daeng Ngembong. At that time, the kiosk door on Trans Papua Road in the Pagaleme District was still open. Daeng Ngembong witnessed an unidentified person (OTK) loitering in front of the kiosk before hearing two gunshots directed at her husband, Jamaludin.

Papua Regional Police spokesman Kombes Pol Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo confirmed the shooting, stating that after receiving information about the incident, Puncak Jaya Police conducted a crime scene investigation and questioned witnesses to identify the perpetrators and motives behind this firearm violence that led to the victim’s death.

Meanwhile, Puncak Jaya Police Chief AKBP Kuswara reported that witnesses had observed two individuals acting suspiciously in front of the kiosk before the shooting. A witness had advised the victim to close his kiosk, but he did not heed the warning. After the incident, the security situation in Mulia City, Puncak Jaya, remained stable, with police heightening patrols to prevent further disturbances by the OTK.

Days later, authorities apprehended the shooting suspect, thanks to a mission by Task Force Peace Cartenz. Brigadier General Faizal Ramadhani, Head of the Peace Cartenz-2024 Task Force Operations, stated that they captured a high-profile KKB member, Mairon Tabuni, alias Solikin. Tabuni, who had been wanted for previous attacks and shootings of civilians in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, was included on a list of wanted persons after an attack on traders in May 2024.

The conflict instigated by KKB not only claims lives and property but also stalls Papua’s progress. Various development projects initiated by the central government to improve the population’s welfare, including infrastructure, healthcare, and education services, are halted or delayed due to KKB terror attacks. The Trans Papua road project, for example, is vital for Papuans who have long faced limited access to basic necessities due to inadequate infrastructure. However, frequent attacks on workers have caused delays, harming all parties, especially those living in remote areas.

KKB often uses issues of social and economic inequality to fuel its propaganda. They exploit the fact that Papua has high poverty rates, low educational access, and limited infrastructure as proof of injustice by the central government. However, closer examination reveals that it is KKB’s acts of violence and terror that worsen these conditions. Their actions have halted many development programs, deterred foreign investment, and left communities fearful of participating in development processes.

Legally, KKB has long been considered a threat to NKRI sovereignty. Their unlawful actions, such as murder, kidnapping, and terrorism, must be dealt with firmly. The government, through security forces, has worked hard to eradicate KKB, though this effort is challenging due to difficult terrain and logistical support the groups receive from certain parties with vested interests. Nevertheless, successful operations by the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and National Police (Polri) demonstrate the government’s commitment to addressing this threat.

Furthermore, the active participation of Papuan society is crucial in the effort to eliminate KKB. The government must encourage active involvement in the development process and build trust between the government and Papuan communities. With active community participation, the fight against KKB will no longer be solely the responsibility of security forces but a collective effort by all elements of society.

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