By: Lusi Wenda *)
Several regions in Indonesia have experienced a wave of heated demonstrations, resulting in casualties and damage to public facilities. Amidst this situation, the Papuan people have taken a firm stance against provocations that could disrupt public order and stability. Various community elements in the region have emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, prioritizing dialogue, and expressing aspirations with dignity, while supporting regional and national government programs.
The Regional Leadership Council of the Indonesian Christian Youth Movement (DPD GAMKI) in Papua issued a call for peace in response to a circular from a demonstration calling for the dissolution of the House of Representatives (DPR) in Papua. The Chairman of the DPD GAMKI Papua, Luis Mebri, emphasized that the people’s aspirations are a legitimate right in a democratic system, but their expression must remain dignified and prevent chaos. He emphasized that the spirit of brotherhood and a sense of belonging to the land of Papua are essential for all elements of society to refrain from potentially divisive actions.
Luis Mebri also emphasized the need for security forces and local governments to prioritize humane measures in addressing societal dynamics. Stability and security are essential prerequisites for optimal development in Papua. This appeal serves as an open invitation to community leaders, religious leaders, youth, students, and all elements of society to refrain from being easily provoked by issues that could disrupt unity.
In its appeal, the GAMKI Papua Regional Leadership Council (DPD) emphasized several key points, affirming its support for the government and the democratic process. The public was reminded to reflect on the goals of their respective struggles, whether they were truly to uphold justice or merely opinions that could potentially undermine social order. Aspirations expressed on behalf of groups or individuals should be done elegantly, peacefully, and without harming others. For the Papuan people, the ability of educated people to express their opinions with dignity is a clear example of constructive aspirations.
Furthermore, the GAMKI Papua Regional Leadership Council (DPD) emphasized the importance of respecting state institutions and security forces. DPRD members are elected representatives of the people, so any criticism or input should be conveyed through open dialogue. The police, as part of the family that maintains order, need support to continue carrying out their duties effectively. This message also emphasized that Papua is a Land of Peace.
The Papua Regional Representative Council (DPD) of GAMKI (Gamki Papua) affirmed its support for peaceful, orderly, safe, and dignified demonstrations. It encouraged the leadership of the Papuan Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRP) and the Papuan Police Chief to be present in person to receive public aspirations and follow up on any demands. To maintain a conducive security and order situation, the Papuan DPD proposed a communication forum, such as a Coffee Morning, involving the leadership of the Student Executive Board (BEM), youth organizations (OKP), community organizations (Ormas), traditional leaders, religious leaders, and women’s leaders.
Papuan youth figure Habelino Sawaki echoed this sentiment. He urged all elements of the nation to de-escalate political tensions and allow the nation’s leaders to carry out their duties in accordance with the people’s demands. Habelino emphasized that creating a peaceful, calm, and peaceful atmosphere is a prerequisite for leaders to perform optimally. He expressed his prayers and hopes that all parties would maintain a calm and peaceful heart for the sake of achieving national peace and stability.
A similar stance was expressed by the Papua Mountains Province Development Care Forum. The Forum’s Field Coordinator, Hote Kogoya, emphasized that parties who disagree with the development vision and mission of Papua Mountains Governor John Tabo and Deputy Governor Ones Pahabol are not permitted to disrupt the development program. The forum reiterated its commitment to overseeing and supporting accelerated development programs encompassing infrastructure, the people’s economy, education, and health, with the primary goal of improving community welfare.
Field Coordinating Secretary Misier Yando Yikwarabuny stated that demonstrations as a form of criticism of the government are not appropriate in Highland Papua. The forum urged all elements of society to unite and fully support regional government policies during the next five-year term.
Similar support came from the head of the Yahukimo Jones Militant Volunteers, Eklon Amohoso, who reiterated his rejection of groups attempting to disrupt government stability. Eklon emphasized that all aspirations should be expressed in a respectful manner without disrupting the government’s operations, while also ensuring the smooth running of development.
These overall attitudes and calls reflect the Papuan people’s determination to support the government’s agenda within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. By prioritizing dialogue, dignified behavior, and respect for institutions and security forces, the Papuan people have demonstrated that constructive aspirations can be expressed without undermining unity and stability.
The Papuan people understand that sustainable development requires a safe and stable environment. Therefore, every element of society is directed to maintain order, refrain from provocation, and support government policies. The emphasis on the spirit of brotherhood, dialogue, and peace is a unifying principle for all parties in building a just, peaceful, and prosperous Papua. With measured steps, the people’s aspirations can be conveyed, while government programs and development agendas can continue unimpeded.
*) Papuan Social & Political Observer
