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Papuan People Firmly Reject KNPB Provocations
lsisi team Send an email19 hours ago
0123 minutes read
By: Yoku Ferry
The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has again sparked controversy with their call to carry out a national strike as a form of warning against the 1962 New York Agreement, which transferred power over West Papua from the Netherlands to Indonesia. However, this call actually sparked criticism from various groups of Papuan people who considered that the KNPB’s actions did not reflect the aspirations of the majority, but also had the potential to disrupt stability and order in Papua.
The KNPB calls August the month of racism, and uses this momentum to protest what they call forms of colonialism and oppression that are still ongoing in Papua. However, this view is not fully accepted by the Papuan people. Many parties actually feel that this action will only worsen the situation and create unnecessary conflict, especially during the commemoration of the 79th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), which falls on August 17 2024.
The KNPB’s call was clearly not welcomed by community leaders and organizations in Papua. They saw that the national strike action initiated by the KNPB was more provocative and destructive than a solution. For example, Pastor Yones Wenda, a prominent religious figure in Papua, appealed to the public not to follow the KNPB’s call and instead celebrate the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day with joy and a sense of nationalism. According to him, Indonesia’s independence was the result of the struggle of heroes, including fighters from Papua, and the Papuan people should protect and respect this independence with love for their homeland.
Papua is an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Maintaining integrity and peace in Papua is a shared responsibility, and the KNPB’s call for a national strike is seen as an attempt to divide the nation. Yakobus Dumupa, a Catholic figure and young Papuan intellectual, emphasized that Papua is independent from colonialism and is currently part of the Republic of Indonesia. He invited the public to support the government in advancing Papua, especially in terms of education and economic development.
Apart from that, the government and Papuan community leaders also realize the important role of the media in maintaining peace in the region. Previously, Setyo Wahyudi, Assistant Secretary of Papua for Economic Affairs and People’s Welfare, invited the mass media in Papua to contribute to celebrating the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day by reporting positive and soothing things, and avoiding news that could trigger conflict. The media is expected to be an instrument that educates the nation, rather than muddying the situation by spreading provocative issues.
The call for a national strike by the KNPB is also considered an action that does not respect the needs and rights of the Papuan people. Stopping community activities for the benefit of a small group of people clearly violates human rights. Moreover, this action was taken in the midst of community and government efforts to advance Papua and improve the welfare of the people in the area. The KNPB should look for a more constructive and peaceful solution in voicing their aspirations, not by imposing their will through actions that will only increase the suffering of the people.
The Papuan people, especially those living in the New Autonomous Region (DOB), have shown their support for the efforts of the government and security forces in maintaining peace and stability in Papua. Ali Kabiay, Secretary General of the Indonesian Red and White Front and a Papuan youth figure, appreciated the performance of the TNI-Polri which has provided a sense of security to people throughout Papua. He invited all Papuan people to fully support the security forces in upholding law and order in Papua, and to reject calls for demonstrations which would only destroy peace.
In situations like this, constructive and inclusive dialogue is very important. The Papuan people want a peaceful solution that can overcome various existing problems, especially through improving education and economic empowerment. In this way, Papua can move towards a better and more harmonious future, both as part of Indonesia and in a global context.
The Papuan people have a very important role in maintaining security conduciveness. The public must be able to be wise and critical in receiving circulating information, especially that spread by groups that have hidden agendas. Education and awareness of the importance of national unity and integrity are the main keys in dealing with provocations carried out by these groups. The public can play a role by reporting all forms of activity that are suspicious or have the potential to disturb security, and are not easily provoked by issues whose source is unclear.
The importance of the community’s role in maintaining security is also reflected in their ability to maintain social harmony amidst the diversity that exists in Papua. Papua is home to various tribes, religions and cultures, all of which live side by side in one unity. Provocateurs and separatist groups often try to divide society by playing on identity issues, such as ethnic or religious differences, to create horizontal conflict.
Finally, the Papuan people are expected to be wise in responding to provocative calls such as those made by the KNPB. Maintaining peace and order in Papua is a top priority, especially during the commemoration of the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day which should be celebrated with gratitude and pride as part of the Republic of Indonesia. The national strike action initiated by the KNPB not only does not reflect the aspirations of the majority of Papuan people, but also has the potential to damage joint efforts to create a peaceful, advanced and prosperous Papua.
*) University of Papua (Unipa) students