Keerom, November 19, 2024 – Welcoming December, which is a meaningful time for Christians, especially in Papua, Herman Yoku, a former member of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) and the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) who now serves as Chief of the Keerom Tribe, called for peace.
Herman Yoku emphasized that the issue linking December 1 with the struggle of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) is a form of deception that misleads the public.
“The commemoration of December 1 by these groups has no clear meaning. There used to be a commemoration of July 1 as the day of liberation of West Papua, but the awareness of our predecessors has eroded that meaning. I invite all Indigenous Papuans to stop movements that are against the Republic of Indonesia and return to the right path,” said Herman Yoku.
He added that he is a real example of how awareness to return to the bosom of the Republic of Indonesia can bring great benefits to the development of Papua. He invited the entire community to unite, forget differences, and together build Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Kombespol Dr. Bayu Suseno, Head of the Public Relations Task Force for the Cartenz-2024 Peaceful Operation, in his statement also appealed to the public to maintain calm and not carry out activities that could disrupt public order in Papua.
“Papua’s security is our shared responsibility. December is a sacred time for Christians in Papua to carry out various religious moments. Therefore, we invite all parties not to disturb the peace of the community,” said Kombespol Bayu.
