Arjuna Pademme, Jayapura, Jubi – Lawmakers in Papua have agreed on a number of points to address the armed conflict currently occurring in Indonesia's easternmost province, in a meeting initiated by the Papua Legislative Council on Monday, Nov. 22, 2021.

All parties agreed to establish a joint team, that will review the situation and give recommendations to President Joko Widodo and all stakeholders to take concrete steps in resolving the Papua problems.

"Among our agendas, we will ask the [central government] to review the permit of the Wabu Block [gold mine]. As well as requesting that the placement of non-organic troops must be at the request of the Papua Police chief or commander of the Cenderawasih Military Command XVII," said Papua Legislative Council speaker Jhony Banua Rouw.

According to Rouw, the deployment of troops from outside Papua must be in accordance with the needs in Papua. In carrying out their duties, the troops must coordinate with the local commander and police chief. That way, local wisdom can be prioritized when taking law enforcement, because the local commander and police chief understand the character and culture of the Papuan people.

Rouw said that his party also discussed during the meeting, the update of the situation in several districts. This time, the discussion focused on the conflict situation in Intan Jaya Regency.

"We agreed to make letters of appeal to all parties, namely the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police, the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), as well as the community to remain calm and not create further conflict in the regions. Please don't take actions that can have an impact on the community ahead of Christmas. We want people to celebrate Christmas well," he said.

He added that the joint team would work continuously. There will be another meeting in early December.

The meeting on Monday was also attended by the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP), the Papua Police, the Cenderawasih Military Command XVII, the Papua High Prosecutor's Office, Intan Jaya regent, the Intan Jaya People's Representative Council, and the church.

Source: https://en.jubi.co.id/papua-legislative-council-to-establish-team-to-solve-papua-conflict