By: Jeremiah Kagoya) *
The riots in Papua and West Papua left deep regret among the community members. In addition to leaving the ruins of buildings that were burned, the riots which were proven to be used by the separatist groups only caused misery to the wider community. At present the public is aware and has agreed to bring peace to Papua.
Relief can now be felt by all the people of Indonesia, when good news comes from the far east, Papua. The people of Bumi Cendrawasih agreed to commit to building peace. This is certainly a fresh breeze that awaited. Considering last week, it seemed that Papua’s complexity was endless.
The riots which resulted in destruction due to acts of racism against Papuan students in Surabaya left many injuries. However, slowly the condition is stable and conducive. The perpetrators of racism are arrested, other names immediately sticking out as more evidence is found.
Grateful, all conditions gradually improved as expected. Cooperation of all elements of the country as well as the community paid off. Now we can smile, Papua will indeed always be a part of the Homeland, the price will die forever.
It was said that last week, young men from the central mountain region, together made a statement. Related to delivering commitments to maintain peace. The statement was delivered in the City of Manokwari, West Papua.
A similar statement was made by the Arfak Tribal Community. Which of the owners of customary rights in Manokwari. Since post-war in Papua and West Papua, a number of compact groups have expressed their pledge to maintain peace on the Earth of Paradise.
Other good news came from the government which has prepared a large amount of funds up to Rp70 billion. This fund is planned to be used to improve a number of public facilities in Papua and West Papua. Which was damaged last week due to a demonstration.
These public facilities will be improved according to priority scale. Namely, such as public service buildings, government buildings, Papuan people’s assembly buildings, Telkomsel buildings and customs and excise offices.
Governments in the two provinces are actively communicating with various communities to suppress horizontal conflicts after the riots which ended in chaos last week.
It is alleged that the Government also held meetings with regional heads and community leaders, including youth, religious and traditional leaders. With this meeting, it is hoped that various solutions can be obtained. Which can be useful for the government, the implication of policy making to overcome various problems that arise. Especially in Papua and West Papua.
Other news came from General Purn. Budi Gunawan, as the Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). He said that representatives of figures from Papua and West Papua were ready to spearhead the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. It said a total of 61 people attended the meeting at the State Palace and met with President Jokowi on 10 September 2019.
This commitment is made for the betterment of the Papua region. Budi Gunawan, who is familiarly called BG, welcomed representatives of Papuan and West Papuan leaders together with the Coordinating Minister of Politics and Security, Wiranto. Retno Marsudi as Foreign Minister and Pratikno as Minister of State Secretary.
Of the 61 participants who attended, both men and women were representatives representing parts of the organization, traditional leaders, churches, academics, students, women and young people in the Papua region.
They enthusiastically expressed their deep aspirations regarding how to improve the welfare of Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. Previously the representative met with President Jokowi. Abisai Rollo as the representative of the figures expressed their nine demands to Jokowi.
Some of the demands include the division of regions, the creation of a national body for the affairs of the Land of Papua, as well as the revision of Law number 21 of 2001. Related to special autonomy (Otsus) for Papua Province in Prolegnas in 2020. Until the construction of the Presidential Palace to be erected in Bumi Cendrawasih.
Jokowi firmly responded directly to the nine demands. Among other things, it will utilize its authority so that SOEs and private companies can accept 1,000 newly graduated Papuan students. Jokowi also approved the division but with a note only for two to three regions. And Jokowi stated his agreement for the construction of the Presidential palace next year.
Abisai stressed that Papua was part of the Homeland, he stated this after the meeting. He also commented on Benny Wenda, as chairman of the Papua Liberation Movement. Abisai added that Benny had no right at all to regulate NKRI and Papua. Because it is clear that Papua is one body with the Indonesian Territory.
Finally this happy news came too. The unity embodied in the pledge to maintain overall peace has been highly anticipated. So that in the future the deviant parties no longer dared to mess with the Republic of Indonesia. Because after all Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, the price is dead.
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta.