Separatism is Faced with Dialogue, KKB Uses Law

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said that he would promote dialogue in dealing with separatism in Papua and use law enforcement against armed criminal groups (KKB).

"Regarding the Papua issue, the government takes a handling approach that prioritizes comprehensive welfare in all aspects. And in dealing with separatism, the government prioritizes dialogue," he said in a written statement received by CNNIndonesia.com, Friday (16/7).

"For the KKB [the government] will enforce the law," he continued.

This was conveyed by Mahfud to a number of representatives of the Indonesian Embassy in Asia Pacific, America, Europe and Africa.

He also claimed that he often had quite intense dialogues with a number of figures in Papua, from religious leaders, community leaders, local governments to the leadership of the Papuan DPR.

He said this was done in order to build peace and prosperity in Papua.

"Everyone supports Papua being built peacefully," said Mahfud.

In addition to strengthening the welfare and peace approach, said Mahfud, the state must ensure the security of the Papuan people from the threat of terrorism, a label that has now been attached to the KKB.

Moreover, he said, Papua is a legal part of the Republic of Indonesia in accordance with international law in the UN General Assembly No. 2504.

Previously, the Readyviewed House of Representatives (DPR) officially ratified the Draft Law (RUU) on Papua's Special Autonomy (Otsus) into law.

The approval was taken at the DPR Plenary Meeting at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta on Thursday (15/7).

SOURCE: https://www.cnnindonesia.com/nasional/20210716122922-32-668570/mahfud-separatism-dihadapi-dengan-dialog-kkb-gunakan-law