Papua Strengthens Preparedness: Indigenous Communities and Officials Work Together to Maintain Stability Ahead of December 1

Nabire – The Indigenous Peoples’ Organization (LMA) of Nabire Regency held a socialization session on the role of indigenous communities in maintaining public security and order in the lead-up to December 1.

The Head of the Nabire LMA, Karel Misiro, in his presentation reiterated the LMA’s strategic position as a government partner in maintaining social harmony.

He reminded all traditional leaders to increase vigilance in the lead-up to December 1 and to maintain peace within the community.

“December 1 often triggers social dynamics in Papua, especially related to demonstrations or activities by certain groups. Therefore, the public is asked to remain calm but vigilant. I emphasize the importance of avoiding provocation, not spreading unverified information, and immediately reporting any potential security disturbances to the authorities,” he said.

Karel also explained a number of potential vulnerabilities that must be anticipated, ranging from increased activity by certain groups to potential disturbances such as road blockades, tire burning, and changes in public mobility.

He emphasized that the regional government and security forces have taken anticipatory measures.

“The regional government and security forces have increased monitoring of vulnerable areas and prioritized a persuasive approach to maintain public safety,” he explained.

Meanwhile, in Central Papua, the Commander of the 1710/Mimika Military District Command, Lieutenant Colonel M. Slamet Wijaya, revealed that leading up to December 1, several remote districts, such as Jila, Alama, Hoeya, and Tembagapura, were in the controllable risk category, but could still be managed through responsive measures by the authorities.

“The Timika City area and its surroundings are currently in a safe and controlled situation, while the mountainous districts are in a controllable risk situation,” he said.

He explained that the geographical conditions of the mountainous region adjacent to the conflict area require extra preparedness.

However, coordination between authorities continues to be improved to ensure the public remains protected.

“We have also received orders from our leaders to anticipate any incidents that could disrupt public order and security. We ask for the support and participation of all levels of society to work together to maintain security so that residents can carry out their activities as usual,” he emphasized.

He added that the presence of security forces in vulnerable districts is for protection, not to instill fear.

“The presence of security forces there is not intended to harm the community. We are there purely to protect them,” he said.

Meanwhile, in South Papua, the regional government is encouraging the strengthening of a positive atmosphere in the run-up to Christmas, which falls on December 1st.

South Papua Regional Secretary Ferdinandus Kainakaimu has requested that the Christmas committee immediately issue a circular urging the public to begin decorating public facilities and residential areas.

“We request that the Christmas committee immediately issue a circular urging the public to spread the Christmas spirit in early December,” he said.

Ferdinandus also hopes that all Christmas activities, including the December 1st parade, will proceed safely and orderly.