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East Java to build dormitory for students from various provinces after attack against Papuans
To strengthen the sense of unity among Indonesian students after racist attacks against Papuan students, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Prawansa plans to build a dormitory to accommodate students from various provinces.
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Some people raise their hands at a Papuan student dormitory on Jl. Kalasan 10 in Surabaya, East Java, on Saturday as security officers and members of mass organizations harass the students after reportedly finding a discarded Indonesian flag near the building. (Antara/Didik Suhartono)
T
o strengthen the sense of unity among Indonesian students after racist attacks against Papuan students, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa plans to build a dormitory to accommodate students from various provinces.
“I feel like our sense of unity hasn’t reached a substantial level. Therefore, I was thinking what if we prepare a dormitory to accommodate students?” Khofifah said as quoted by news agency Antara on Monday.
She added that she had already discussed the plan with deputy governor Emil Elestianto Dardak.
“[The dormitory] will refresh our memory about how Jong Java, Jong Celebes and Jong Borneo [and other youth organizations in 1928] pledged an oath to protect our country,” Khofifah said, referring to youths from various ethnic groups during the 1928 youth movement promoting the birth of the unified Indonesia.
On Sunday, security personnel and members of mass organizations harassed Papuan students living in a dormitory in the East Java capital of Surabaya, launching a tirade of verbal slurs and physical attacks. The mob was apparently angered after finding a discarded Indonesian flag near the building, prompting them to throw stones at the dormitory while shouting racist remarks for hours.
Presidential staff member and Institution for Papua Indigenous Community chairman Lenis Kogoya visited the governor’s office at the Grahadi building on Tuesday afternoon. Lenis, along with Khofifah and Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini, was also set to visit the Papuan student dormitory in Surabaya to meet the students. (dpk)
