By: Luke Talenggen )*
August is a month full of happiness because we celebrate the independence of Indonesia, including the people of Papua. They support 100% of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia and welcome the month of independence with joy.
What do you know about Papua? Some know it as the easternmost region of Indonesia, which is still green, has exotic nature, and is a favorite tourist destination. But unfortunately some know Bumi Cendrawasih because there is KST (separatist and terrorist group). It is these bad images that we should delete because they are so embarrassing.
In fact, all Papuans really love Indonesia and do not want to be separated from it. M hey uphold the sovereignty of the Homeland and the proud red and white flag in August, instead of the Morning Star flag. The reason is because they live in Indonesia and are proud to be Indonesian citizens.
People do not want to join separatist groups under any name because they reject the idea of separating from Indonesia. They are comfortable being Indonesian citizens and do not want to be rebels. The idea of separation is very strange and they do not want to be independent, because the current government is very concerned about the Papuan people. The proof is with the special autonomy program which continues to be extended.
Yonas Nusi, the chairman of the Papua Red and White Front, stated that they are committed to implementing all government programs and maintaining Indonesian sovereignty in Papua. This organization consists of community leaders in Bumi Cendrawasih, such as Yanto Eluay, Jan Arebo, and Max Ohee.
Community leaders are committed to maintaining the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia because they are loyal to the country, and their love for the homeland is proof that they are loyal to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Especially in August which is the month of independence. They increasingly show their love for Indonesia and set a good example for civil society.
Community leaders are trying hard to maintain Indonesia’s sovereignty by maintaining togetherness and mutual respect. As community leaders and general role models, they set an example that being an Indonesian citizen with integrity is to respect differences and not fight each other.
If community leaders try hard to maintain Indonesia’s sovereignty, civilians will follow suit, and they will unite for Indonesia. Civilians will unite with each other, whether they are natives or immigrants, and will not discredit people from outside Papua. They are aware that they are brothers and sisters and try to uphold unity.
Civilians also do not want to be involved in inter-tribal wars because they understand that this is very detrimental, in terms of time and cost. In addition, the conflict will only result in bloodshed and revenge for generations. Sovereignty and unity will be tainted. It’s been decades since there have been no wars between tribes and don’t let it happen again because the repercussions will be enormous.
The public understands that supporting the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia can be done in an easy way, for example raising the red and white flag, participating in the seventeenth ceremony (virtual version because it is still a pandemic), and maintaining unity among citizens. In addition, they also try to avoid conflict in the community. When there is peace, we are not easily divided.
All Papuan people support the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia and they are very proud to be Indonesian citizens, and do not want to be invited to join a separatist group. The citizens of Earth of Cendrawasih continue to try to maintain peace and reject inter-tribal wars, knowing that it will only harm themselves, both morally and materially.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Jayapura
