Papua Customary Chairperson: December is a Moment for the Preparation of the Christmas Celebration, Do not be Advocated with the Issues of Separatist Groups

Papua Customary Chairperson: December is a Moment for the Preparation of the Christmas Celebration, Do not be Advocated with the Issues of Separatist Groups

La Pago Regional Chair Agus Rawa Kogoya appealed to all Papuans not to be provoked by the anti-government group's plan to carry out the anniversary of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) on 1 December 2019.
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"I, as one of the traditional leaders of the La Pago region, appeal to all citizens and hope that all indigenous territories can maintain security stability, especially on December 1," he said in Jayapura, as reported by Antara on Thursday, November 28, 2019.
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According to Agus, by December all citizens, especially Christians, should have been better prepared to welcome Christmas 25 December 2019 and New Year 2020.
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"I have said that Papua is a land of peace. Moreover, December is the month to prepare for Christmas for us Christians. Don't be influenced by cheap issues, "he said.
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Agus claimed to get some information about the invitation to give thanks at Trikora Field, Abepura District, Jayapura City on December 1, 2019, which was intentionally distributed by groups who disagreed with the government.
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"I heard from the United Liberation Move West Papua or ULMWP and unscrupulous students will hold a joint prayer at Trikora Field, I appeal not to do that, stop to do that," he said.
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According to him, the invitation will create problems or conflicts with residents arapat TNI and Polri. It also claims to have coordinated with security forces so as not to overdo it in responding to the issue.
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"The ULMWP is out there, don't bring victims here. December 1 must be safe, not be able to create issues that cause conflicts between citizens with the TNI-Polri, I as a figure expressly forbid it, "he said.
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Furthermore, Agus asked all people of Cenderawasih earth to be wise and careful in receiving information before following an invitation that could create a commotion or conflict that could take victims.
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"Let's focus on Christmas. We can pray at our homes, not follow invitations that damage lives, "he said.
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Source: https://www.tagar.id/masyarakat-papua-diimbau-tak-gubris-acara-1-desember