Land Dispute in Biak: Construction of Military Base Continues
The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) is currently continuing the construction of a new military base in Biak Numfor Regency, Papua. The base is intended for the 858 Manunggal Setya Bhakti Territorial Development Infantry Battalion (Yonif TP). Although construction is ongoing, the project faces significant challenges regarding land dispute issues with local residents.
The construction site is located in Brimpewer, East Biak District. The military states that the presence of this base is crucial to support security and accelerate development in the Papua region. However, this process is not running smoothly due to differences of opinion regarding the land ownership status at the location.
This land dispute has become a very sensitive issue due to differing perspectives between the military and indigenous communities. For the Papuan people, land is not just a physical space or an economic asset. They consider land to be part of their cultural identity and ancestral heritage that must be respected and properly guarded.
Residents around the construction site feel that their rights to customary land have not been fully resolved by the government. They hope for a more open dialogue so that the interests of the community are not ignored. On the other hand, physical construction on the ground continues to be carried out by the military in accordance with previously established plans.
The situation in East Biak demonstrates how important good communication between the government and indigenous communities is in every development project. To date, there has been no full agreement that satisfies both parties. A fair and transparent resolution is urgently needed to avoid wider conflict in the future.