Australia Affirms Rejection of OPM; Papua’s integration with the Republic of Indonesia is no longer in doubt
Papua continues to be in the public spotlight, not only within the country but also from foreign parties. Australia agrees with Indonesia that the Papua region will forever remain part of the Republic of Indonesia. Where, geographically, Papua is located in the eastern part of Indonesia, has a long and complex history of integration with the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Even though several separatist groups such as the Free Papua Organization (OPM) continue to fight for independence, Papua’s integration with Indonesia has been established through various valid political and legal processes, and has received international recognition. The latest confirmation from Australia that it refuses to support the separatist movement in Papua further confirms this integration position as something that cannot be doubted.
Australia firmly refuses to support the Free Papua Organization (OPM) or the separatist movement in Papua. This was confirmed by Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Richard Marles, who said that Australia fully supports the sovereignty of Indonesia’s territory, including Papua, and does not support any independence movement. Australia respects the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Indonesia, including Papua.
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This support from Australia strengthens Indonesia’s position in facing the issue of separatism in Papua, ensuring that Papua’s integration into the Republic of Indonesia is beyond doubt. Australia also underscored the importance of regional stability and partnership in facing common challenges, including in the fields of security and defense.
The integration of Papua with Indonesia has been determined through various legitimate political and legal processes, and has received international recognition. The latest confirmation from Australia that it refuses to support the separatist movement in Papua further confirms this integration position as something that cannot be doubted.
Papua officially became part of Indonesia after the Determination of Popular Opinion (PEPERA) in 1969. PEPERA was the result of the 1962 New York agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands which was mediated by the United Nations (UN). Although there has been criticism regarding the way PEPERA was implemented, the results show that the majority of Papuans voted to join Indonesia.
Since integration, the Indonesian government has made various efforts to advance development in Papua. Programs such as Special Autonomy for Papua, which was implemented in 2001, provide more authority and budget for the Papuan regional government to accelerate development and improve community welfare.
Chief of Army Staff (Kasad), General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak, said the role of the TNI AD in supporting the acceleration of Papua’s welfare development. All parties, including the Papuan people in vulnerable areas, are feeling the impact of the conflict. Where the violence and chaos that occurred have brought difficulties in the economic sector. The current condition of Papua is much better, because TNI units assigned to Papua have done a lot with various efforts to help improve the welfare of the Papuan people.
Major infrastructure projects such as the construction of the Trans Papua road and improving access to health and education services are part of the government’s efforts to ensure that Papua does not lag behind other regions in Indonesia. The government has also attempted to increase social inclusion by promoting Papuan cultural diversity as an integral part of Indonesia’s national identity.
Responding to this, the Commander of Kodam (Pangdam)
In addition, the central government also often allocates significant funds for infrastructure, education, health, and the government has also attempted to increase social inclusion by promoting Papuan cultural diversity as an integral part of Indonesia’s national identity.
Bumi Cenderawasih, which contains six provinces, is an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. So what has been expressed by certain groups cannot be accounted for.
Countries in the Asia-Pacific region support the stability and territorial integrity of Indonesia. This is important considering that Papua is located in a strategic area and is rich in natural resources, which means stability in Papua is the key to regional stability.
Despite progress, challenges remain. Separatist groups such as OPM are still active and occasionally carry out attacks that disrupt security in Papua. However, the Indonesian government remains committed to resolving this conflict through a more humane and sustainable approach. This approach includes an approach with various stakeholders in Papua, as well as increasing welfare and economic development in the Papua region.
The government is also increasing diplomatic efforts to gain international support in dealing with the issue of separatism. The active diplomacy carried out by Indonesia in international forums has succeeded in ensuring that the Papua issue is still seen as a domestic Indonesian matter, while at the same time gaining international support for Indonesia’s sovereignty over Papua.
There is no need to doubt the integration of Papua with the Republic of Indonesia. The legitimate historical process, international recognition, ongoing development efforts by the government, and support from countries such as Australia confirm Papua’s position as an integral part of Indonesia. Existing challenges must be faced with wise and inclusive strategies, ensuring that all Papuan people can experience the benefits of integration.
