Jayapura, Jubi – The PMKRI St. Thomas Aquinas, representing the Indonesian Catholic Student Association, voiced solidarity with the call for a humanitarian pause to alleviate the ongoing armed conflict in Papua.
During the National Study Conference in Denpasar, Bali, activists from 46 PMKRI branches across Indonesia joined in supporting this crucial initiative.
Tri Natalia Urada, Chairperson of the PMKRI ST Thomas Aquinas Central Board, affirmed the organization’s commitment to social justice and solidarity.
“We support the humanitarian pause as an effort to prevent more casualties in the Land of Papua,” she said, highlighting the dire need for peace efforts amidst escalating conflicts.
Tri also highlighted the distressing impact of law enforcement and military operations on civilians caught in conflict zones, specifying regions affected by armed conflicts.
“Armed conflicts in Papua are spread across Nduga Regency, Intan Jaya Regency, Bintang Mountains Regency, Yahukimo Regency, Puncak Regency, and Maybrat Regency,” Tri emphasized.
The plea for a humanitarian pause aims to mitigate the ongoing turmoil and pave the way for constructive dialogue towards a lasting resolution. PMKRI condemned all acts of armed conflict, urging an immediate halt and advocating for neutral mediation to address the core issues in Papua.
Meanwhile, Thalia Ohoitimur, Chairperson of the PMKRI St. Efrem of Jayapura Branch, reiterated the urgency of a Humanitarian Pause to address pressing humanitarian crises.
“We of the PMKRI Jayapura Branch have acted by sending books, clothes, stationery, milk, and baby food to the displaced people in Bintang Mountains Regency,” she said. (*)