IKAMA Papua, MRP, and BMP RI Call for Peace Regarding the Letter from Madurese Residents in Yogyakarta

Jayapura – A letter claiming to represent the Madurese community in Yogyakarta and addressed to Papuans in the region has raised concerns among various groups. In the letter, Madurese residents operating small grocery shops in the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) expressed distress over alleged assaults and property damage committed by individuals from a specific group. It was mentioned that these incidents have occurred repeatedly, reportedly dozens of times. 

The letter also requested that leaders from the mentioned group provide assurances that such actions would not happen again. Otherwise, the Madurese community in Yogyakarta threatened to resort to carok (a traditional form of self-defense combat) openly as a means of self-protection. 

Responding to this situation, the Chairman of the Madurese Family Association of Papua (IKAMA), H. Tajul Anwar, together with the Vice Chairman of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP), Max Abner Ohee, and the Secretary-General of the Red and White Front of the Republic of Indonesia (BMP RI), Ali Kabiay, held a meeting to ensure that the issue in Yogyakarta does not negatively affect Papua. 

During the meeting, they agreed to urge all communities in Papua not to be provoked by the issues and calls circulating on social media. The leaders emphasized that this matter has been properly handled by the police, as well as representatives of both the Madurese and Papuan communities in Yogyakarta. 

Vice Chairman of the MRP, Max Abner Ohee, stressed the importance of maintaining peace and unity in Papua. “Let us in Papua always uphold peace. We should respond to this issue wisely and not be influenced by social media comments,” he said. 

Max also encouraged all Papuans to begin 2025 by fostering a peaceful and secure Papua while strengthening tolerance among communities. “Do not be easily swayed by irresponsible comments on social media, as these individuals do not want Papua to be peaceful,” he asserted. 

Meanwhile, the Chairman of IKAMA Papua, H. Tajul Anwar, urged the Madurese community in Papua not to be affected by the circulating issues related to the situation in Yogyakarta. “As Madurese people in Papua, let us not be influenced by social media narratives,” he stated. 

He added that the Madurese and Papuan communities have long coexisted harmoniously, maintaining tolerance and avoiding significant conflicts. “We have lived together peacefully for a long time. Therefore, let us continue to preserve peace in Papua,” he emphasized. 

Secretary-General of BMP RI, Ali Kabiay, also reiterated that the people in Papua have long lived in harmony. “We urge all residents of Papua to always maintain peace,” he said. 

Ali also called on Papuan leaders, including those from traditional, religious, and community organizations, not to respond negatively to the circulating letter. He assured that the situation in Yogyakarta has been addressed by local law enforcement authorities. 

“Let us always uphold peace, harmony, and order in Papua, in accordance with the mandate of the 1945 Constitution and the values of Pancasila, while remaining committed to Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity),” he concluded.