By: Rebecca Marian) *
Indonesia consists of 34 provinces, including Papua and West Papua. However, the eastern part of Indonesia has recently been provoked by a citizen who claims the State of West Papua is not part of the Republic of Indonesia. This statement is wrong, because since 1969 Papua (formerly Irian Jaya) has been final as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Bumi Cendrawasih is the easternmost region of Indonesia that is different, because it only joined in 1969 after the Pepera (popular opinion determination). Even so, indigenous Papuans remain proud to be Indonesian and recognize the central government in Jakarta. In fact, there are many famous original figures, such as Freddy Numberi and Silas Ohee.
Amid the peace on Earth of Cendrawasih, suddenly Forkorus Yaboisembut stated that Papua was not part of Indonesia. He claims to be the President of the federal state of West Papua. The statement was issued when he and some of his followers celebrated the 9th birthday of the State of West Papua, in West Sentani, Jayapura.
Forkorus does not only state that Papua is not part of the Republic of Indonesia. He also dared to write to President Joko Widodo and ask Indonesia to withdraw its troops from the West Papua region. Suddenly the Papuans were surprised by Forkorus’ attitude , because his statement was controversial and could include treason.
If there are those who do not recognize an area as belonging to the Republic of Indonesia and create their own state, this is considered as a rebellion. Moreover, the Federal State of West Papua already has its own national flag, which has a Morning Star image, and rejects the red and white flag being raised in its territory. They are also keen to invite Papuans to raise the Morning Star flag.
The Director of LP3BH Manokwar , Christian Warinussy asked the Papuan people not to be provoked by this invitation. Because the country is illegal and Papua cannot possibly stand alone and leave the Republic of Indonesia. Meanwhile, DPR member from Papua Demanius Ijie asked Papuan youth to go to school and focus on the future and not get involved in the Papuan independence movement.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that if Papua becomes independent, there is no legal basis for it. If we look at international legal standards. Papua also cannot be liberated again. This was stated by Damos Dumoli Agusman, Director General of Law and International Treaties at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Damos , Papua has become Indonesian territory and cannot just become independent. Because it was already independent, along with the proclamation of 17 August 1945. In fact, the Papua region was no longer colonized by the Dutch at that time. So that according to international law it automatically becomes Indonesian territory.
Referring to international law, there is an under collonial context, where an area can liberate itself if it was previously colonized. But in reality, since 1945 Papua was not colonized by Indonesia. The people happily joined the Republic of Indonesia and were strengthened by the 1969 Act. So the status of West Papua is illegal.
Even before Indonesia’s independence, da 3 youth representatives from Earth Cendrawasih who attended the oath of youth. They attended this important event, 28 October 1928, to support Indonesian independence and declare unity. The three Papuan youths are named Aitai Karubaba, Orpa Pallo , and Abner Ohee.
If you look at its history and refer to international law, then the statement of the President of the federal state of West Papua is invalid. Because the country is not officially registered. When there is a state within the country, the perpetrator is considered treason and can be arrested by the authorities for not being loyal to the Republic of Indonesia.
It is hoped that Papuans on Earth of Cendrawasih and on other islands will not be provoked by Forkorus’ statement . Because all Papuan people are proven to love Indonesia and are proud to be part of the Republic of Indonesia. The President also considers Papua special.
) * The author is a Papuan student living in Jakarta