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TNI tries softer approach to Papua, but doubts remain

Indonesian military (TNI) chief Gen. Andika Perkasa has offered a new softer approach to resolving the long-standing conflict in the country’s easternmost provinces of Papua and West Papua.

Yerica Lai (The Jakarta Post)
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Tue, February 8, 2022

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TNI tries softer approach to Papua, but doubts remain Papuan students demonstrate in favor of Papuan independence at the police headquarters in Surabaya on Dec. 1, 2021, to coincide with the anniversary of the Free Papua Movement (OPM). (AFP/Juni Kriswanto)

I

ndonesian military (TNI) chief Gen. Andika Perkasa has offered a new softer approach to resolving the long-standing conflict in the country’s easternmost provinces of Papua and West Papua. But experts say integrated actions among cross-sector stakeholders are needed to solve the complex problems facing the Papuan people.

Since his appointment late last year, Andika has promised to move away from the military approach, promising a softer, nonmilitary strategy aimed at winning the hearts and minds of the Papuan people.

But multiple incidents that occurred recently show that there is little sign of a de-escalation of the conflict between armed criminal groups and the military and police, which has claimed lives on both sides and among civilians.

Andika flew immediately to Papua on Jan. 27 and later West Papua, after two recent clashes in the two provinces.

A day before his visit, three military personnel were killed and one was left in a critical condition in Puncak regency in Papua after the Free Papua Movement (OPM) allegedly launched an attack.

The attack followed another incident on Jan. 20 that left a soldier dead and at least four civilians wounded during clashes in Maybrat, West Papua.

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OPM spokesperson Sebby Sembom said his organization claimed responsibility for the two attacks, saying that it was ready for any counterattack by the military.

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