By: Edward Krey)
All movements of resistance from separatist groups increasingly hampered development in Papua. However, most of the people of Papua consciously say that they are an inseparable part of the archipelago, and do not want to be separated from the lap of the Republic of Indonesia. Because, the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia from Sabang to Merauke has been and is still recognized by all countries in the world and has been approved by the highest world institution, namely the United Nations.
Papua as one part of the sovereignty of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) has gone through a referendum process known as PEPERA and the results have been ratified through UN resolution No 2504 issued by the UN General Assembly on 19 November 1969.
The resolution was proposed by 6 countries and accepted by the UN General Assembly with 84 agreed votes, 0 opposed and 30 abstentions. Not being questioned by PEPERA by any country shows that, PEPERA is accepted by the international community. That is, Papua as part of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia has been recognized by the international community and authorized by the highest international institution, the United Nations.
Even though Benny Wenda through ULMWP and his parties did not want to acknowledge the results of PEPERA and stated that the Act was legally flawed, but in reality until now UN Resolution No. 2504 has never been corrected let alone revoked. This certainly shows that Papua as part of the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia is undeniable.
So if you want to truly liberate Papua, Papua should be free “meaningfully” from the word independence, Papuan independence does not have to merely mean sovereignty and then become an independent state, but Papuan independence can also be interpreted as a Papuan who is able to rise and prosper.
Papuan independence can be interpreted as a Papuan who is able to rise and live well. Papuan independence can be interpreted as Papua free from misery and injustice. Papuan independence can be interpreted as an independent Papua and free from all problems.
If the figure of Benny Wenda said, Papua is now living in misery under the Indonesian government, of course a big question will also arise, if Papua is separated from the Republic of Indonesia, will Papua be more prosperous? Forget the government policy that can uniform fuel prices from Sabang to Merauke.
Chairperson of the Association of All Indonesian Regency Governments (Apkasi), H Isran Noor, stated his belief in the people of Papua 99.9 percent still loved Indonesia and continued to recognize the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). This means that only 0.1 percent are still members of the OPM.
Moreover, during the leadership of President Jokowi, even according to a survey the satisfaction of Papuans reached 90 percent. This means that Papuans themselves claim to be satisfied with the programs run by the Jokowi government in Papua, so there is no reason for Papua to separate from the Republic of Indonesia.
On different occasions, a number of citizens of the city of Madiun and Papua held a declaration in front of the Mayor and Formkompimda of the City of Madiun.
Representative of Sorong, West Papua residents who are also soldiers of Battalion Battalion 501 Bajrayudha Madiun Battalion, Agus Fattari said, the declaration was made as a form of pride for the independence that had been achieved by the Indonesian people.
In addition, it is also a form of appreciation for the positive activities carried out by the City Government of Madiun in filling the moment of independence day. Agus along with Papuans in Madiun City also claimed to feel comfortable and safe while in Madiun.
It was explained that the declaration was made because all the people of Indonesia were the same, united, all had the same right to independence and none had the right to discriminate against one another.
In the declaration also, residents of Madiun City and Papua declared themselves brothers and continued to defend and maintain the integrity of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.
In addition to East Java, in Papua there is also a statement of attitude from the Sorong City religious communication forum, where interfaith leaders throughout Sorong City have expressly rejected all forms of divisions in the name of SARA.
Lambert also said that the Regional Government of the TNI – Polri and religious leaders in Sorong City had declared peace love as a sign that the situation of Sorong City was safe and conducive to date.
With the declaration, it means that community leaders in Papua agreed with the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, where the motto is the spirit of unity of Indonesia from a variety of cultures, ethnicities, religions and skin colors.
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Jakarta