https://en.jubi.id/internally-displaced-papuans-traumatized-as-military-presence-hinders-return-to-hometowns/
Internally displaced Papuans traumatized as military
presence hinders return to hometowns
News Desk Indigenous Papuan Refugees
21 June 2023
Presenters, who are also direct victims of armed conflict, share
their stories during the commemoration of World Refugee Day, June
20, 2023 at STT Walter Post, Sentani, Jayapura Regency, Papua. Doc
Committee for Jubi
Jayapura, Jubi The presence of Indonesian Military
(TNI) and Police in conflict-ridden
areas of Papua has allegedly
caused trauma among internally displaced
Indigenous Papuans.
The displaced people urge the government to
immediately cease military operations and restore their communities
to normalcy. These concerns were expressed during a discussion
attended by displaced women on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, as part of
World Refugee Day commemoration.
Raga Kogoya, a displaced woman from Nduga Regency, is
currently residing in a camp in Jayawijaya Regency with her four
children. Raga, along with thousands of Nduga residents, fled to
the forest and eventually sought refuge in Wamena City in December
2018.
She longs to return to her hometown, a sentiment
shared by other displaced families. However, their hopes of
returning to Nduga have not been fulfilled.
If I could go back home, I would, said Raga, who hasnt
been able to return since December 2018.
But I have nowhere to live because they burned my
house five years ago. Moreover, there are still TNI posts in the
area, she added.
Raga admitted that she still carries traumatic
memories. The acts of violence committed by TNI soldiers against
pregnant women and minors remain vivid in her mind.
These memories, according to Raga, deter them from
returning to their hometowns despite the governments assurance of
safety and invitation to return.
We, the Nduga displaced people, will only go back home
if the state withdraws the security forces. They are still here
today, especially in the Nduga area. They must be withdrawn first.
Only then will the people of Nduga feel safe to return home, she
said.
Lamberti Faan shares a similar story to Ragas. The
mother of four expressed the immense difficulty she faces in
meeting her childrens daily needs.
Following the attack on Kisor Military Post in Maybrat
Regency in September 2021, which was succeeded by milit...