Jayapura, Jubi – Jayapura City Police has stopped the Papuan People’s Petition (PRP) from doing a long march in the city on Thursday, July 14, 2022. The police said the long march would disturb the security and order in Jayapura City.
“We have received a letter from the PRP but we will not allow if there is a long march. It is okay if the action is carried out by appointing several representatives to meet with lawmakers in the Papua Legislative Council (DPRP),” said the head of the Jayapura City Police, Sr. Comr. Victor D. Mackbon on Tuesday.
“Law No. 9 of 1998 on Freedom of Expressing Opinions in Public stipulates that all citizen must respect public order in expressing their opinions. We have asked if there is a better way that conforms the law because with the Long March, it will disturb the comfort of other citizen. So of course we do not allow it,” Mackbon said.
He said his party would facilitate the people’s aspiration by providing a number of vehicles to take the protesters to the DPRP building.
“If the protesters agree with the conditions that we provide, we will oversee [the protest] from start to finish and even escort the masses to return to their respective locations,” he said.
Mackbon said his party would deploy 2,000 joint personnel in order to provide a sense of security and comfort during the protest.
“But even if they insist to do the long march, we will continue to provide protection for both the protestes and the community by deploying joint personnel from the Indonesian Military (TNI), the Papua Police Mobile Brigade, BKO Brimob Nusantara, and Jayapura Police,” he said.
He also appealed to the people of Jayapura City to continue carrying out activities as ursul as the security forces were ready to provide the best service. (*)
