By : Ronald Owens )*
Papua, an island located at the eastern tip of Indonesia, has a complex history. As an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Papua has a legal and final position. It cannot be denied that Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia, and its integrity cannot be contested by being recognized internationally.
Since the beginning of Indonesian independence, Papua has been an inseparable part of the nation’s struggle to achieve full sovereignty. With various political dynamics and heavy diplomatic processes, Papua was finally legally integrated into the territory of the Republic of Indonesia in 1969 through the Determination of Popular Opinion (Pepera), which was recognized internationally. Papua, with its abundant natural wealth, is an important asset for Indonesia. This island is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas and gold mines.
It is important to note that the recognition of Papua as part of Indonesia is nothing new. Since Papua joined Indonesia in 1969, all countries in the world have recognized Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. This is proven by the support provided by various countries and international organizations to Indonesia in maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Papua.
One form of this recognition is through various official statements issued by countries in the world. For example, in 1969, the UN Security Council issued Resolution No. 250 which recognized Papua as part of Indonesia. Apart from that, many UN member countries also officially recognize Papua as Indonesian territory, including the United States, Australia and countries in Southeast Asia.
Papuan youth leader, Ali Kabiay said that the integration and status of the land of Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia is a path that has been destined and is a gift from God Almighty. According to him, the position of the Papua region as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia should continue to be maintained as well as possible by all parties, both the government and the indigenous Papuan people.
As an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, Papua is subject to the laws and regulations in force in Indonesia. National law regulates all aspects of life in Papua, including politics, economics, social and culture. International law also recognizes the integrity of Papua as part of Indonesia. Since Papua became part of Indonesia in 1969, various international resolutions and declarations have recognized Papua as an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia.
On the other hand, May 1 is a historic day for the government of the Republic of Indonesia because on that date the Papua region officially became part of the territory of the Republic of Indonesia through the determination of people’s opinion or Pepera in 1969. Acting Mayor of Jayapura, Frans Pekey said that the Jayapura City government initiated the commemoration of May 1 with the aim of conveying to the whole world that Papua is an official part of the Unitary State of the Republic.
However, it cannot be denied that developing Papua also faces many complex challenges and conflicts, because there are still several groups in Papua who claim that Papua should be independent and no longer part of Indonesia. However, this claim does not have a strong legal basis and is not in accordance with historical reality. Since Papua became part of Indonesia, the central government has been committed to advancing Papua and improving the welfare of its population. Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, KH. Ma’ruf Amin also emphasized that the conflict that occurred over demands by the Independent Papua Organization (OPM) for Papuan independence was completely irrelevant. The actions carried out by OPM cannot in any way represent the problems in the Land of Papua to leave the Republic of Indonesia.
In facing this challenge, Indonesia has taken various steps to strengthen Papua’s existence as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. One of the steps taken is to increase development and welfare in Papua. Through a comprehensive development program, Indonesia hopes to improve the quality of life of the Papuan people and reduce tensions in the region.
The Indonesian government has also opened access for international media and organizations to report on the situation in Papua, so that the international community can see firsthand developments in the region. On the other hand, international law expert, Eddy Pratomo, said that the OPM movement in calling for a referendum had no basis.
This understanding must be glorified to all Papuan people so that they have the same perception that Papua is an integral and inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. This has been recognized internationally through various official statements, diplomatic relations and participation in international forums. Even though there are still challenges and problems that need to be overcome, Indonesia continues to be committed to strengthening Papua’s existence as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. With cooperation and hard work, show the world that Papua is a legitimate part of Indonesia.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
