Yohanes Maharso, Jakarta – The Chairperson of the National Commission on Human Rights or Komnas HAM, Atnike Nova Sigiro, responded to the TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces) changing the term armed criminal group (KKB) in Papua to the Free Papua Organization (OPM).

According to him, the TNI Commander has the authority and considerations regarding the change of this term.

Atnike said Komnas HAM needs to study the implications of the government's policy of changing the term from KKB to OPM. This includes studying the laws and regulations that will serve as a reference for the policy.

In recent weeks, Atnike and Komnas HAM have noted the alarming situation in Papua. There are casualties from both civilians and the TNI/Polri (Indonesian Police). "This may be a consideration for the government to change the terminology," Atnike said when contacted by Tempo on Friday, April 12, 2024.

Atnike said Komnas HAM, as a human rights institution, still asks the government to prioritize law enforcement against every perpetrator of violence in Papua, including those committed by armed civilian groups.

Regarding security policies in Papua, Komnas HAM hopes that the government will continue to use a measured approach to ensure that civilians and the TNI/Polri do not suffer casualties. A measured approach is also needed to prevent human rights violations.

In addition to law enforcement, Komnas HAM encourages the government to strengthen public services, such as education, health, and the local economy, to reduce conflict escalation and build a peaceful ecosystem in Papua.

TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto previously confirmed that his agency was again using the Free Papua Organization or OPM for armed groups in Papua.

"So they call themselves TPNPB (West Papua National Liberation Army) together with the OPM," said General Agus Subiyanto at Wisma A. Yani, Menteng, Jakarta, Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Agus accused the OPM of committing acts of terror, murder, and even rape. The action was carried out against teachers, health workers, the community and TNI/Polri personnel.

"They are combatants who carry weapons. I will take firm action for what the OPM is doing," he said. "There is no country within a country."

According to Agus, handling in Papua differs from that in other regions. The TNI also has special methods for problem-solving. "Dealing with weapons, we use weapons," he said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1856005/komnas-hams-response-to-tni-changing-the-term-kkb-to-op