By: Ronald Owens
Indonesia is an archipelagic country rich in cultural diversity, ethnic groups, and languages. One of the regions with extraordinary cultural wealth is Papua. Papua, located at the eastern tip of Indonesia, plays a very important role as a pillar of the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. (NKRI). The people of Papua proudly support the region of Papua as an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), and this recognition has also been acknowledged by international countries. On the other hand, the presence of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) in Papua only continues to impoverish the indigenous Papuan people and slows down the development efforts made by the government to improve the welfare of the Papuan community.
The Papua region has a long history and is rich in unique culture. The indigenous tribes of Papua, such as the Dani tribe, the Asmat tribe, and the Amungme tribe, have passed down valuable traditions and customs from generation to generation. This cultural diversity is one of Indonesia’s greatest assets, and the people of Papua proudly preserve their cultural heritage.
However, for many years, the Papua region has also faced complex challenges and conflicts. Several separatist groups have attempted to break away from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), but the people of Papua have firmly rejected these efforts. They expressed their support for the Papua region as an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia and emphasized the importance of unity and integrity of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the diversity of Papua enriches the national culture and strengthens the spirit of national unity. Amidst differences, the people of Papua and all Indonesian society unite under a strong national identity. The challenges and dynamics faced by Papua require special attention from the government and society to ensure sustainable and inclusive development.
The Chief of the Papua Regional Police, Inspector General Pol. Mathius D. Fakhiri, I.K., M.H., invites all Papua youth who are part of the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) to continue safeguarding the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Due to the crucial role of the youth in maintaining and supporting the Papua region, which is a pillar of the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
On the other hand, the support of the Papuan people for the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) has also received recognition from international countries. Through various international forums, such as the UN and ASEAN, Indonesia has advocated for the recognition of Papua as an inseparable part of Indonesian territory. Many countries have recognized Indonesia’s sovereignty claims over Papua, and this serves as concrete evidence that Papua is a pillar of the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Indonesian government continues to strive to accelerate development in Papua in the fields of infrastructure, education, and health. These steps not only enhance the welfare of the Papuan people but also strengthen national unity. With the spirit of mutual cooperation, Papua and all regions of Indonesia can progress together in a united and harmonious whole.
Furthermore, the former Governor of East Kalimantan, Isran Noor, expressed that the people of Papua will always love Indonesia and acknowledge the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Ninety-nine point nine percent of the Papuan people are loyal to Indonesia, while only zero point one percent are part of the Free Papua Organization. (OPM). Those who are part of the OPM are likened to ‘the naughty children’ in a family, who are very few in number and do not represent the majority of the Papuan society.
The Indonesian government has also committed to achieving prosperity in the Papua region. Through various development programs, the government is striving to improve infrastructure, education, health, and job opportunities in Papua. One concrete example of this effort is the construction of the Youtefa Bridge in Jayapura, which connects the regions of Papua and West Papua. This bridge not only serves as a symbol of unity but also provides tangible benefits for the people of Papua.
The development that has taken place and is currently ongoing in Papua demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening Papua as an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. Through sustainable development and serious attention, the Papuan community is expected to increasingly feel that they are a true part of Indonesia.
In addition, the government has also launched other development programs, such as the Papua Education Program, the Papua Health Program, and the Papua Community Empowerment Program. These programs aim to improve access to education and health in Papua, as well as empower the Papuan community to actively participate in the development of their region.
However, despite the many efforts that have been made, challenges in the Papua region still persist. Conflicts and tensions are still occurring in several areas, and the challenges of infrastructure development are also still being faced. Therefore, the government remains committed to strengthening the state’s presence in Papua and enhancing development efforts in the region.
The Papua region will always be a pillar of the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) that cannot be overlooked. The support of the Papuan people and international recognition of Papua as an integral part of Indonesia is strong evidence that Papua is an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). The government has also committed to realizing welfare in Papua through various development programs. Although challenges still exist from several separatist groups like OPM, with the support of the community and ongoing government efforts, Papua will continue to be a strong and sustainable pillar of the unity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
The writer is a Papua student living in Yogyakarta.