Sentani, Jubi – Agus Kossay, chairperson of the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), says opposition to the group's planned public demonstrations is not new, arguing that nearly every KNPB mobilisation since the organisation's establishment has been met with resistance and counter-narratives from various groups.
Kossay made the remarks in response to statements by several community leaders and local government officials opposing KNPB's planned coordinated demonstrations across the Land of Papua on Monday, 3 August 2026.
In addition to protests across Papua, KNPB-affiliated organisations also plan to stage demonstrations in Makassar, South Sulawesi, and Timor-Leste, including outside Indonesian representative offices.
"For us, opposition to KNPB demonstrations is nothing new. Since KNPB was founded, there have always been attempts like this," Kossay told Jubi by phone on Sunday, 2 August 2026.
He said the opposition would not affect the organisation's decision to proceed with its planned peaceful demonstrations under the theme "Papua: A Military and Humanitarian Emergency Zone," stressing that the protests are intended to remain peaceful and are not aimed at provoking horizontal conflict.
Kossay also criticised local government leaders who had publicly opposed the demonstrations, saying their stance reflected the government's response to KNPB's political activities despite the demonstrations constituting the exercise of democratic rights.
"We continue to call on everyone to keep the situation peaceful. Do not be easily provoked by irresponsible information," he said.
According to Kossay, KNPB decided to organise the demonstrations because of what it sees as the worsening humanitarian impact of the armed conflict in Papua, including increasing civilian casualties, internal displacement, and deaths among those directly involved in the conflict.
He said the organisation continues to urge all parties to resolve the armed conflict between the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM) and Indonesian security forces through dialogue mediated by a neutral international third party.
"We believe the Papua issue must be resolved through negotiations facilitated by the international community. Unless the root causes are addressed, the conflict will continue," he said.
Kossay added that KNPB branches across Papua had submitted formal notifications of the planned demonstrations to local police in accordance with Indonesian regulations.
He argued that the police are responsible for safeguarding peaceful public assemblies and that the demonstrations do not depend on police approval.
"Whether or not the police give permission is not a reason to cancel the demonstrations. We will proceed peacefully tomorrow," he said.
The demonstrations are scheduled to begin at around 9:00 a.m. Papua Time in several locations across Papua. In Jayapura City, participants are expected to gather outside the Papua Regional Legislative Council (DPR Papua), while in Jayapura Regency the demonstration is planned to take place outside the regent's office. Similar rallies are expected to be held outside regency government offices, local legislative buildings, and KNPB offices elsewhere in Papua.
Kossay urged the public not to believe claims that the demonstrations would inevitably turn violent, saying KNPB has consistently promoted peaceful protest as its means of expressing political aspirations.
He argued that the increased security deployment ahead of the demonstrations reflected the security-based approach in Papua that the organisation has long criticised.
"We call on the Papuan people to participate peacefully, uphold humanitarian values, respect human rights, and obey the law," he said.
Meanwhile, Jayapura Regent Yunus Wonda urged residents not to take part in the planned KNPB demonstration outside the Jayapura regent's office.
"I ask churches throughout Jayapura Regency to encourage their congregations not to participate in the demonstration scheduled for 3 August 2026," Wonda said in a written statement issued on Saturday, 1 August 2026.
He also asked KNPB not to hold the demonstration outside the regent's office, saying the local government wanted to maintain public order and security.
"I call on everyone to help preserve peace and public safety in Jayapura Regency. As Regent of Jayapura, I do not permit demonstrations to be held in the courtyard of the regent's office," he said.
Wonda nevertheless said that government services, schools, and public services should continue to operate as normal on Monday.
Jayapura Police Chief AKBP Dionisius VDP Helan also said police would not allow the planned KNPB demonstration to take place in Jayapura Regency.
Helan said the Indonesian National Police's primary responsibility was to maintain public order and provide services to the community, making it essential to preserve security and stability in the regency.
"I will never authorise any activity that suggests there is a state within a state. We have only one country – the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," Helan said during a media briefing at Jayapura Police Headquarters on Friday, 31 July 2026.
He said efforts to maintain security had received support from religious leaders, customary leaders, community representatives, and the local government.
To anticipate the planned demonstrations, Helan said Jayapura Police had deployed nearly 600 joint military and police personnel to ensure the situation remained safe and orderly.
"I call on everyone in Jayapura Regency to help maintain security and not be easily provoked. Let us work together to keep this region peaceful and conducive," he said.
Source: https://en.jubi.id/agus-kossay-opposition-to-knpb-protest-is-nothing-new