Dekai – Amidst the dynamics of public aspirations, the Carstensz 2026 Peace Operation reaffirmed its role as a peacekeeper in Papua. The security of the All-Indonesian Yahukimo Student Front demonstration at the Yahukimo Regency DPRD Office on Wednesday (January 21, 2026) demonstrated that democratic space can continue to operate safely, orderly, and with dignity.
The Head of the Carstensz 2026 Peace Operation, Brigadier General Dr. Faizal Ramadhani, S.Sos., S.I.K., M.H., emphasized that freedom of expression is a constitutional right of every citizen that must be protected, in line with the state’s obligation to maintain security and stability.
“The Carstensz 2026 Peace Operation exists to ensure that Papua remains safe and peaceful. The people’s aspirations must be conveyed without causing conflict in social life,” said Faizal Ramadhani.
Since morning, approximately 500 demonstrators, consisting of university students, traditional leaders, schoolchildren, Yahukimo women, and community members, gathered in the Dekai City Clock area. The crowd then marched in an orderly manner toward the Yahukimo Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) office on foot, traversing several main roads in Dekai City under the escort of security forces.
Upon arrival at the DPRD office, their aspirations were expressed openly through speeches, the reading of a statement, and the submission of official documents. In these statements, the protesters voiced their rejection of militarism, the construction of military posts, investments, national strategic projects, and the planned expansion of a New Autonomous Region (DOB) in Yahukimo Regency.
Security for the demonstration was carried out both openly and privately by a joint force of personnel from the Yahukimo Police, the Mobile Brigade Corps (BKO) of the Papua Regional Police, and the Carstensz Peace Operation Task Force. A humane approach was prioritized to ensure the peaceful and frictionless expression of aspirations.
At 1:15 p.m. WIT, the statement was officially received by Deputy Speaker I of the Yahukimo Regency DPRD, Minggituk Kobak, S.Si. He stated that all aspirations would be followed up according to applicable mechanisms and submitted to the central government.
Yahukimo Police Chief, AKBP Zet Saalino, S.H., M.H., emphasized that the presence of the National Police (Polri) was intended to ensure the safety of all parties, both the demonstrators and the general public.
“We respect the public expression of opinion as a constitutional right. Security measures are in place to maintain a conducive public order and security situation,” said Zet Saalino.
The Yahukimo Regency Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) also expressed its appreciation for the security forces’ professional and humane actions. The demonstration concluded orderly. The crowd gradually left the location, and the situation in Dekai City returned to normal.
Securing this demonstration is part of the commitment of Operation Peace Carstensz 2026 to maintain security stability and ensure the peaceful continuation of democracy in Papua.
