By: Felix P. Pigai*
The internationalization of the Papua issue by irresponsible parties will only be in vain because basically the Papuan people want to be under the auspices of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Support for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) and efforts to internationalize the issue of an independent Papua seem to sow the drums of war that pressure Indonesia’s countermeasures in upholding sovereignty. This support is a tough challenge for Indonesia because for those undermining the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia, Papua is not recognized as part of Indonesia, there are even accusations that Indonesia has committed human rights violations by colonizing the Papua region and the Melanesian race in Papua. As Vanuatu has expressed in several Melanesian Spearhead forums Group (MSG), namely the ideological constitution, recognizes that the Melanesian nation is not yet fully independent as long as there is a Melanesian race that is not yet independent. This ideology emphasizes Vanuatu’s stance in raising the issue of independent Papua on the global agenda. MSG is an intergovernmental organization whose members are Fiji, Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS), Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Among its members, Vanuatu is often the country that disturbs Indonesia’s sovereignty by spreading oblique issues about Papua. This small country in the Pacific often speaks out about human rights violations against the indigenous population of West Papua but turns a blind eye to the separatist movement there. For example, in 2021, during the 76th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA), the Prime Minister of Vanuatu Bob Loughman accused Indonesia of committing human rights violations against the indigenous population of West Papua. This accusation was immediately responded to firmly by the young Indonesian diplomat, Sindy Nur Fitri, who questioned Vanuatu’s understanding of human rights and criticized the way the country was trying to impress the world with its concern for human rights issues.
This is not the first time this tension has occurred. In 2019, Vanuatu smuggled West Papuan separatist Benny Wenda to the UN High Commission for Human Rights in Geneva, where he submitted a petition for an independence referendum. In the past, Vanuatu has also been vocal about West Papua’s independence in UN forums, even though the session agenda did not discuss this issue. Apart from Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands also often bother Indonesia with the Papua issue. In August 2023, this country urged Indonesia to allow the UN Human Rights Commission to visit Papua. This insistence was stated in the 22nd MSG Leader’s Summit Adopts Communique document which was released on the Solomon Islands government website. At the MSG Summit, the Indonesian delegation was also present but chose to walk out or leave the forum when the West Papuan separatist leader and Chair of the ULMWP, Benny Wenda, was about to deliver a speech. speech. The summit took place on 23-24 August in Port Vila, Vanuatu. However, Padjajaran University (Unpad) International Relations Observer, Prof. Rezasyah is of the view that Indonesia does not need to spend a lot of energy dealing with Benny Wenda’s influence abroad. Because its influence can be eliminated by making improvements within the country. This is because Indonesia’s success in making improvements domestically will reduce Benny Wenda’s ammunition. The internationalization of the Papua issue is often used as a tool to pressure Indonesia and gain international attention. In fact, the unilateral actions of Vanuatu or the Solomon Islands have triggered a strong reaction from Indonesia, including the people of Papua. RI is responding to this matter firmly but carefully with strategic steps that provide a strong deterrent to the internationalization of the Papua issue. It needs to be realized that those who raise Papuan issues are only those who want to take personal advantage. Most of the Papuan people themselves want peace and prosperity under the auspices of the Republic of Indonesia. The support given by certain countries or groups to the separatist movement in Papua is often based on political and economic interests alone, not on a sincere desire to help the Papuan people. Indonesia as a sovereign country must continue to strengthen strategic steps to counter efforts to internationalize the Papua issue and ensure that the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia is maintained. The Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, at the closing of the 2nd Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) session forum, conveyed a deep message to Melanesian countries such as Fiji, Solomon, Papua New Guinea, as well as the Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). regarding Papua’s status as part of Indonesia’s sovereignty. Puan revealed that Indonesia had explained the various efforts made to advance Papua. Some of them said that Papua has now increased by four provinces,including conveying various steps that have been taken by Indonesia for the progress of Papua. Apart from that, the IPPP meeting produced several important recommendations, such as mutual respect for the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty and territorial unity, as well as maintaining peace between the Pacific region. Also a shared commitment to protect the environment as neighboring and close countries.
By strengthening unity and unity within the country, showing Indonesia’s authority in every international forum, and showing commitment to development and prosperity in Papua, Indonesia can prove to the world that Papua is an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia, and ensure that Indonesia’s sovereignty is recognized and respected. by the international community. *The author is a Papuan Youth/Observer of Papuan Issues