Jayapura, Jubi – The Indonesian government is changing strategies in dealing with armed conflict in Papua, particularly to prevent civilians from falling victims, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin says.
As quoted from the official website of the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ma’ruf Amin said the government was preparing steps that were expected to handle the security situation in Papua.
“I think the government is currently not passive defensive in its strategy to deal with armed groups but rather use dynamic and active defensive methods,” Ma’ruf said in a press conference in Bukittinggi, West Sumatra on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
He further said that Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD was formulating a new strategy with various parties to deal with armed conflict in Papua. The formulation of the new strategy involves the commander of the Indonesian Military, the National Police chief, the State Intelligence Agency, and other related parties.
“This is to make steps forward and make the community safe, and support the welfare development of Papua. Security is correlated with welfare development issues,” he said.
Meanwhile, responding to the recent student protest on April 11, which protested the price increase of basic commodities, Ma’ruf said the government was always willing to listen to various demands. He said a protest is part of democracy.
“That’s part of our democracy. As long as it’s done properly and peacefully, that’s the community’s aspiration. The government certainly hears these demands,” he added.
Regarding the demand for the government to reduce the price of cooking oil and fuel, Ma’ruf said that the government kept trying to ease the burden of public spending through various steps such as controlling prices and providing social assistance.
Ma’ruf emphasized that the increase in prices for various basic necessities was not only due to a surge in demand during the Ramadan holy month and ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebration, but also triggered by uncertain global economic conditions, such as climate change and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war. (*)
