Jayapura – Ali Kabiay, Secretary General of the Central Leadership Council (DPP) of the Red and White Front of the Republic of Indonesia (Barisan Merah Putih) of the Republic of Indonesia (Papua), strongly condemned the murder of three civilians in Yahukimo Regency, allegedly carried out by an Armed Criminal Group (KKB) claiming to be the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM).
Ali stated that the incident raises deep concern because the victims were ordinary civilians and indigenous Papuans with no ties to the security forces.
“We are deeply saddened by the sadistic murder of civilians. The three victims were ordinary people with families, children, wives, parents, and lives to live,” Ali said in a statement in Jayapura.
According to him, the violence targeting Papuans raises serious questions about the group’s goals, especially since videos of the murders were widely circulated, inciting fear among the community.
He considered the distribution of the recording a form of intimidation aimed at instilling fear among residents. Therefore, he urged the public not to be provoked and to continue entrusting their security to state authorities.
Ali called on all Papuans, especially in Yahukimo, to unite to reject all forms of violence that threaten the safety of civilians.
“People have the right to live safely and peacefully on their own land without threats and violence. Therefore, we call on all people to unite against actions that harm the Papuan people,” he said.
He emphasized that the victims were not members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) or the Indonesian National Police (Polri), but rather civilians going about their daily activities with their families.
According to Ali, the killing of civilians constitutes a serious human rights violation and cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Furthermore, he expressed his support for law enforcement measures taken by security forces, including the Carstensz Peace Operation Task Force, to maintain security stability and protect the public from threats from armed groups.
“We support the security forces’ efforts to prosecute the perpetrators of violence to prevent similar incidents from happening again. We also pray that the Carstensz Peace Operation Task Force can carry out its duties effectively to create a safe and conducive situation in Papua,” he said.
Ali added that security is a crucial factor in driving regional development. According to him, a conducive security situation will open up space for economic growth, investment, education, and improved community welfare.
“If the region is safe, children can attend school in peace, mothers can sell their goods at the market, and people can carry out activities in their gardens and businesses. Security will be the foundation for Papua’s progress,” he said.
He hopes that all elements of society will continue to support efforts to maintain regional stability so that development, cultural preservation, and the social life of the Papuan people can proceed smoothly.
