ILAGA COMMUNITY LEADERS STRENGTHEN DISCRIMINATION AND VIOLENCE AGAINST OAP

The geographical condition of Papua is a challenge in itself for the distribution of welfare. The area coverage is quite wide and the lack of connecting access between regions is an obstacle that must be faced.
However, according to Usai Alom as a Community Leader in Ilaga District, Puncak Regency, the Regional Government is considered to have made full efforts to accommodate all needs related to supporting the welfare of the residents.

"There are things that we must be aware of, the Regent always works hard to make this district better from time to time. Even though we both realize that Puncak is an area that is quite difficult to access,"

Alom added that development for the advancement of Puncak Regency was also hampered by separatist actions. This is because separatist groups always interfere when government elements in Puncak Regency are pioneering progress programs.

"When the government promotes education, teachers become targets. When there is road construction, contractors are also targeted. Things like this are certainly very disturbing, they hinder it. Even though people in Puncak need these programs from the government,"

The local government's commitment to working to improve the living standards of its people has been considered a success in itself for Usai Alom. This at the same time refutes the statement of discriminatory actions carried out by state officials against Papuans.

"No one has been discriminated against, the government has tried its best, we should be able to appreciate that. Discrimination language is just a game. I guess that those who feel discriminated against are small groups that are part of the separatists,"

Alom also emphasized that claims of violence against Papuans never happened. He refused to classify the arrests as part of violence against Papuans. Even Alom explained that acts of violence always stem from the influence of separatist groups.

"Those who are arrested, it must be because they violated the law. Such things are certainly not part of the violence, it is natural for the authorities to arrest people who disturb security. In fact, security disturbances are always initiated by the separatist groups themselves,"

Alom also said that the dynamics happening in Papua will not change the status of Papua which has become an integrated part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Therefore, his party supports the government's efforts to remain firm in enforcing the law against separatist groups who repeatedly take illegal actions.

"Whatever it is like, Papua is the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, that is non-negotiable. That's why we really hope that the security forces will continue to make efforts to enforce the law against separatist groups,"

SOURCE: https://www.jurnalpapua.info/2022/01/ character-society-ilaga-luruskan.html