Chair of the MPR; Prioritize Persuasive Approach in Alleged Makar Cases

Chair of the MPR; Prioritize Persuasive Approach in Alleged Makar Cases

RI MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo asked law enforcers to put forward a persuasive, humanist, and strategic approach in resolving various allegations of legal discrimination against seven young Papuans who were charged 5-17 years in the Balikpapan District Court, East Kalimantan, for alleged treason in anti-racism demonstrations in Last August 2019.

The move is so as not to trigger further conflicts that could cause turmoil, said Bamsoet when he was the keynote speaker in a virtual dialogue titled "Racism vs. Makar", in Jakarta last Saturday.

"The MPR RI continues to be involved in helping our brothers who voice social justice against Papua so that they do not get legal discrimination. Voice of justice is not the same as treason or criminal action," Bamsoet said.

Bamsoet explained, the steps of the Indonesian MPR to voice justice for Papua through the MPR RI FOR PAPUA, chaired by Yorrys Raweyai, had visited Surya Anta and five Papuan students who were detained in Mako Brimob in November 2019.

He was grateful for the hard work of all parties, the six people namely Surya Anta Ginting, Anes Tabuni aka Dano Anes Tabuni, Charles Kossay, Ambrosius Mulait, and Arina Elopere alias Wenebita Gwijangge, were released in May 2020.

He also expressed his appreciation to the Papua Police Chief Paul Waterpaw who is also a native son for his tireless work in maintaining the situation in Papua, so that it remains consusive.

"I support if one day the National Police Chief adds another star on Paul's shoulders so that there is pride, there is a three-star general of Papua's son," he said.

Bamsoet explained, last year there had been an incident at the Papua hostel in Surabaya that began with a misunderstanding of the alleged destruction of the red and white flag. However, according to him, because it was not managed properly, the incident actually triggered a conflict that led to cases of racist speech against Papuan students.

The former Speaker of the Indonesian Parliament hopes that the judicial process will run transparently from upstream to downstream. The principle of law enforcement that is not contrary to the law itself must be carried out, due process of law, affirming the principle of legality of law, including the guarantee of the legal rights of every citizen.

"In addition, in the case of treason, caution needs to be needed. An open mind is needed so that it can see all issues from various perspectives, so that a verdict that truly meets the community's sense of justice is met," he said.

Bamsoet said the presence of MPR FOR PAPUA is expected to be a generator to build more productive dialogue in solving various problems in Papua so that the earth of Cenderawasih with natural wealth and cultural diversity is like an equatorial jewel, which can continue to be part of the beauty of Indonesia.

"Indonesia without Papua is not Indonesia. Maintaining peace in Papua is an inseparable part of efforts to improve the welfare of its people. Indonesia without Papua is not Indonesia," he said.