Kapolresta Malang Reported on Alleged Racism against Papuan Students

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Alliance Papuan students report Chief of Police Poor Kombes (Pol) Leonardus Simamarta to the Police Professional and Security Division (Propam).

Leonardus was reported on suspicion of racism while securing a number of protests Papuan students on March 8, 2021.

“We have reported Malang Police Chief Pak Leonardus Simarmata who has issued a very racist and discriminatory statement instruction against Papuan students in Malang City,” said the lawyer for the Papuan Student Alliance, Michael Himan at the Propam Polri Building, Jakarta, as quoted from Antara. Tribunnews, Friday (12/3/2021).

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The report was made by the Jabodetabek Papuan Student Alliance on behalf of Arman Asso to the Police Headquarters Propam. The report was then registered with the number SPSP2 / 815 / III / 2021 / Bagyandu on March 12, 2021.

Michael explained that this racism was uttered by Leonardus while securing a demonstration held by the Solidarity Movement for Papua Together with the People (Gempur) in Malang, East Java on March 8, 2021.

At that time, the masses staged an action on women’s rights and a rejection of the Papua special autonomy (Otsus) which was to be extended. However, the demonstration was later colored with pushing actions between the students and the police.

At that time, the Chief of Police, Leonardus, allegedly made a statement that was later considered racism.

According to Michael, Leonardus shouted orders to his subordinates which were considered racist. Leonardus’ words are considered to hit the feelings of the Papuan people.

“These racist remarks really hit the feelings of us Papuans, who as leaders who should prioritize human rights and provide proper service to order demonstrations but make very racist statements,” he said.

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He was worried that Leonardus’s words would have long tails. Therefore, Michael said that this case must be reported before it goes to Papua.

“We are worried that this could spread like the 2019 incident in Surabaya. The same thing is also done by the authorities in Surabaya. So we are worried that each social media is very viral and the response from the WhatsApp group must be reported otherwise it will leak. in Papua, “he said.

This article was published on Tribunnews.com with the title: Malang City Police Chief Reported to Propam Over Alleged Racial Speech Against Papuan Students

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