Jayapura, Jubi – Frits Ramandey, the Head of the Representative Office of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM Papua), stated that in 2024, the focus of their efforts will be on monitoring several armed conflict areas in Papua.
“The potential for violence, particularly armed conflicts, in various regions of Papua is a matter of concern for Komnas HAM,” Ramandey said in Jayapura City on Wednesday (17/1/2024).
Ramandey outlined the specific conflict-prone areas across four provinces that Komnas HAM Papua plans to monitor. In Papua Province, the monitoring will cover Keerom Regency and the Yapen Islands Regency. In Central Papua Province, attention will be directed towards Dogiyai Regency, Paniai Regency, Intan Jaya Regency, Mimika Regency, Puncak Regency, and Puncak Jaya Regency. In the Mountainous Papua Province, monitoring will extend to Nduga Regency, Yahukimo Regency, and Jayawijaya Regency. Additionally, Komnas HAM Papua will also monitor the situation in Maybrat Regency in the Southwest Papua Province.
Ramandey stressed that the monitoring of conflict areas is part of Komnas HAM’s strategic program for 2024, aimed at advancing human rights across the six provinces of Papua. He highlighted the importance of creating space for dialogue as an effort to halt the violence in armed conflicts in Papua. Ramandey cited instances where territorial expansion and the formation of new autonomous regions tend to escalate violence due to the lack of community participation in the process.
According to Ramandey, numerous violent incidents occurred in 2023, resulting in 40 fatalities, 41 injuries, one person being held hostage, and one individual reported missing. He urged the government to engage in continuous dialogue with the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), an armed group, to address the ongoing issues.
Ramandey also called for the Peace Operation Cartenz, conducted by security forces, to focus on restoring security and public order in areas prone to armed violence. (*)
