In Nabire, Central Papua, police intercepted dozens of students who were on their way to the protest location. They were transported by truck to the police station. A viral video showed a civil officer in brown uniform physically kicking and stepping on a student’s foot while verbally abusing them. “You’re just a little kid, still wet behind the ears,” the ASN can be heard saying as they hold the student’s head.

Other ASNs and police officers stood by and did nothing to intervene, even as the violence unfolded. Media reports identified the ASN as the Secretary of the Nabire Education Office. This act of violence, carried out by a public servant in the presence of law enforcement officers, has sparked outrage.

Meanwhile, in Yalimo, Papua Pegunungan, police reportedly fired 12 rounds of gunshots and deployed tear gas to disperse students protesting against the MBG program. In Jayapura, 15 junior and senior high school students were briefly detained by police as they attempted to participate in the protest. Reports also surfaced of police officers using violence while arresting students during the protest. In Wamena, Papua Pegunungan, police used tear gas against students demonstrating against the program.

The Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees the right of children to express themselves, including through peaceful demonstrations. The events in Papua stand in stark contrast to these international commitments, as the government’s response to these students’ protests has been to use force and intimidation.

This follows a troubling pattern. In November, a student in Bogor was forced to make a public apology after recording and sharing a video on social media criticizing the quality of the MBG meal provided to a classmate. The incidents in Papua are part of a broader trend where government officials and their supporters have targeted those who criticize the MBG program, including students and citizens who dare to speak out. (Uki Ruknuddin)

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