Despite vigorously clamoring for justice and democracy, we continually tiptoe around the judiciary’s record of handing out justice with kid gloves for felonies committed by members of the military.

When the two conventions combine, we have a situation like that of Papua. Our easternmost province is one of the most beautiful, bountiful and yet so tragic.

The problems that beset Papua are plentiful, long and unresolved. But, arguably, not so complicated that consolation cannot be found. Partly the people of Papua, more specifically Papuan community leaders themselves, must find greater unity and political purpose, forsaking their individual and tribal gain.

To say that part of the problem of Papua is the Papuans themselves is no misnomer. But arguably, no less culpable is the nation’s treatment of issues in Papua.

Sometime the biggest obstacle is not the principal problem itself, but the conformist, biased and obsolete mindset used in finding a solution.

There is no better case in point than Friday’s remarks by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono when he almost belittled, albeit inadvertently, the suffering of victims of military “indiscipline” in Papua. During a meeting with military chiefs, the President underscored the necessity for soldiers to obey military discipline.

“I order military chiefs to impose serious sanctions on soldiers who break the rules and discipline,” Yudhoyono said.

He rightfully warned that these violations would have political consequences for the country, noting that they had brought serious implications for Indonesia pointing to the international spotlight brought by alleged incidents of torture in the past several months.

Despite his firm guidelines and expression of concern about the violations committed by soldiers in Papua, the President then needless remarked that the violations were minor in scale.

We commend the President for his attention to the matter, but regret the way he framed the caveats of the argument. Anyone would who has been on the receiving end of a rifle butt or the standard issue military boot does not reference the pain and indignity to the scale of violations as a whole. Rather than an unyielding statement to employ justice by saying that the offenses were not widespread, the President apparently believes the situation is still tolerable. More over it inspires little confidence, if any is left, that errant military personnel will be dealt swiftly.

Too many unpunished violations have been committed in Papua to believe that culpability will ever be assured. To further say that these violations were not ordered by their superiors gives no sense of ease. It only means that the commanders, and the President as the commander-in-chief, cannot control or discipline their subordinates.

The only thing more fearful than an invading foreign army, is one’s own undisciplined military. We are also disturbed that the President would have to highlight the question of international attention as a result of these violations. Does that mean that we would not address these violations if there were no international scrutiny?

We are aghast if that should be the case. Justice should be sought because Papuans are equal citizens with equal values and common rights as any child or elder across this archipelago. In fact, the parameters of justice are not bound by citizenship or race. It is a moral obligation for any civilized society. Yudhoyono’s remarks belie the constant nature of rights abuses which, according to the Papua branch of the National Commission for Human Rights, has increased in the past year, the majority committed by security forces. The traditional mindset of culpability has to be exorcised.

Every member of society — be they civilian, military or civil servant — must fear legal consequences when committing these offenses.

If we cannot change this haughty attitude, then we should never expect peace and stability to reign in Papua.

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