By: Edward Krey) *
Before Indonesian independence, various security problems continued to occur in many areas of the Papua region. There are also disturbances from across the country and even rebellions in the country by the nation’s own children. This certainly makes a sad heart for anyone who hears it also sees it.
Under these conditions, Papua was almost untouched. So that other countries can freely plant their nails. Unfortunately, the development of the international world at that time did not side with the invaders.
In the West Irian region (called Papua at that time) in 1969 had been held the Act (Determination of People’s Opinion). Which was attended by representatives of the Dutch government, as well as all tribes in West Irian.
Pepera itself is divided into three stages, and the first stage is held on March 24. Consultations with the Regency Council in Jayapura related to the procedure for the Election of the Deliberation Council which ended in June 1969. The implementation of the Act of Free Choice from Merauke Regency ended on August 4, 1969. The Act was witnessed by delegates from the United Nations, the Australian delegation and the Dutch government envoy.
The results of the Act of Free Choice were finally brought to the United Nations General Assembly (November 19) where the UN SU approved the results of the Act of the Republic of Indonesia through UN Resolution no. 2504, 1969. Darisini has not been clear, since 1969 Papua has been part of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. If now there are people who want Papua to separate themselves it is an act of separatism. Of course this kind of thing must be resisted and act decisively, right?
This separatist act caused a lot of harm to the people of Indonesia especially. This separatist adheres to the act with “right to self-determanation”. This is very inappropriate considering the Unitary Republic of Indonesia is a unitary state. Separatist actions also include crimes in which sentences can be imposed for this action.
Demonstrators of the referendum especially carrying separatist flags can be categorized as treason. Makar is an action that has three meanings. Namely namely deception, or rotten reasoning. The second is an act with the intention of attacking others. Third is the act or effort made to bring down a legitimate government.
This action is also considered very detrimental, as well as the risk of dealing directly with the authorities. The indication is a case of rebellion to encourage various issues of incompetence of the government in handling this Papua case.
If these parties do not trust the UN, then who will be trusted? The referendum will likely be held alone with the committee itself and count their own votes. Therefore, certainly there will be no place for this separatist movement.
If they (the Separatists) insist they do not recognize the Act of Free Choice, it means they want to return to the Dutch colonial era before the Act of Free Choice is issued. In essence, when they want a referendum, it should involve all the people of Indonesia and not only the people of Papua.
The 1969 Act was attended by around 1025 Papuan representatives. Pepera was also held in a number of districts namely, in Biak, Merauke and Jayapura. Based on the results of the Act at that time, it was stated that all representatives said they wanted to join the Republic of Indonesia.
The results of the Act of 1969 were then recognized by the United Nations and a resolution was issued stating that the Papua region was a legal part of the Republic of Indonesia. This Resolution was even approved by 80 UN member states and there were only 20 abstentions. What is clearer is that no country in the world has refused Papua’s entry into Indonesia.
Many people are of the opinion that the Republic of Indonesia incorporated West Irian into the territory of the Motherland. This is certainly wrong! West Irian has always been part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Even Papua had entered into the territory of Indonesia (the Archipelago) long before Indonesia proclaimed its independence. This is evidenced by the existence of Papua in the map of Indonesia made by the Dutch East Indies in 1931.
From this we can conclude that based on the results of the Act that has been completed, it continues to state that Papua is part of the Homeland at any time. So there is nothing more to fuss about since the results are legitimate and witnessed by various state representatives. Where the validity can not be doubted.
) * The author is a social political observer