DPD's Papua committee sets focus on Papuan safety, well-being

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Regional Representative Council’s (DPD) Special Committee on Conflict Resolution and Humanitarian Affairs in Papua has reaffirmed its commitment to focusing on the safety and well-being of the Papuan people.

The statement comes in response to a string of recent violent incidents, including the fatal shooting of an American pilot by an armed group in Yahukimo, Highland Papua, and the death of a pregnant woman hit by a stray bullet in Intan Jaya, Central Papua.

Speaking during a press conference at the parliament complex in Jakarta, DPD Deputy Speaker Yorrys Raweyai stated that following its formation in May, the committee held its inaugural meeting this Monday.

"We have just finalized the committee's membership, and today we began scheduling our discussions to map out all the ongoing issues in Papua," he said.

Yorrys, who serves as the committee's chair, stated that the team plans to invite relevant stakeholders to delve deeper into the issues plaguing Papua and conduct field advocacy. This approach is expected to help the committee draft a set of comprehensive policy recommendations.

He noted that the committee will focus on two core issues, security matters - including alleged human rights violations - and the controversies surrounding the government's National Strategic Projects (PSNs).

Meanwhile, DPD member Eka Kristina Yeimo stressed that the government and lawmakers must pay serious attention to the violence in Papua, underscoring that the recent incidents cannot be allowed to continue.

In this regard, the special committee also aims to bridge the growing anxieties and concerns of the Papuan people regarding rights they feel have been neglected.

According to her, the complexity of the situation in Papua shows that no matter what incident occurs, it is the consequence of a series of unaddressed causes.

As the conflicts in Papua have forced some residents to flee their homes, the committee will also address the issue of displaced persons, particularly the fulfillment of the rights of vulnerable groups.

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Translator: Fath Putra, Raka Adji

Editor: Primayanti

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