By : Esther Magai )*
Papua has been an inseparable part of Indonesia for a long time, not only politically but also culturally. Papua’s ethnic and cultural diversity is a national wealth that should be protected and celebrated. Papua remains an integral part of Indonesia’s vision as a country based on justice, unity and shared prosperity.
Not only is the culture and nature beautiful, the long history of Papua joining Indonesia is certainly worth knowing. Papua has been part of Indonesia since before Indonesian independence.
When the Netherlands handed over sovereignty to Indonesia at the Round Table Conference in 1949, the issue of Papua or West Irian was not resolved at that time because the Netherlands was adamant about making the region under its control. Until finally, in 1969, Papua became part of the Republic of Indonesia again.
According to members of Commission I DPR, Jazuli Juwaini Papua is a showcase for Indonesia as the easternmost province and directly borders neighboring countries. Apart from that, it is a concrete face of Indonesia’s diversity or diversity.
Despite being rich in natural resources, Papua faces a number of challenges in economic and social development. The Indonesian government has made great efforts to overcome inequality and improve the welfare of the Papuan people. Development, education and health programs have been implemented to improve the quality of life of the Papuan population. Therefore, Papua is not only a region rich in natural resources, but also focused on human development and the welfare of its people
Jazuli also said that in building an advanced, just and prosperous Papua there is no need to look for differences and prioritize how to unite in making this happen.
One of Papua’s main riches is the ethnic and cultural diversity that exists there. More than 250 ethnic groups live together in peace, creating a unique cultural landscape. Diverse languages, rich customs and stunning traditional arts are an inseparable part of Indonesia’s cultural richness. Papua, as part of Indonesia, has become a mirror of diversity and unity.
Even though currently there are still groups who want to separate Papua from Indonesia, the government continues to maintain its commitment to maintaining the unity and integrity of the Papua region.
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD said that the Republic of Indonesia is based on the constitution, based on international law, and based on factual reality. (Papua) Is a legal part of the Republic of Indonesia. Therefore, there are no negotiations regarding Papuan independence and the government will defend and eradicate anyone who wants to take even a small part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Regarding the riots that occurred in Papua New Guinea, the Head of the Indonesian Armed Forces Headquarters, Major General Nugraha Gumilar, confirmed that the riots that occurred in Papua New Guinea had no impact on Indonesia. It is claimed that the Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border is still conducive.
Nugraha said that to anticipate the impact of the riots, apart from the RI-PNG Pamtas Task Force, the TNI also carried out intelligence operations which were deployed by the local military command. Kodam prioritizes intelligence operations to anticipate the impact of riots in PNG.
Through development approaches, dialogue, special autonomy, economic development, security and diplomacy, the government seeks to provide comprehensive solutions to the challenges it faces. With these continuous efforts, it is hoped that Papua will remain an inseparable part of Indonesia, while providing justice, prosperity and equal participation to the Papuan people.
Papua, as an integral part of Indonesia, has become the center of attention both at the national and international level due to several separatist groups attempting to secede. Despite this, the Indonesian government has continued to make maximum efforts to keep Papua as an inseparable part of Indonesia.
So far, the Indonesian government has also paid special attention to the problems occurring in Papua. Various policies have also been formulated specifically for Papua, as an effort to accelerate development and improve the welfare of the Papuan people.
As a province in Indonesia, Papua has experienced significant development in various sectors. Infrastructure development, health services, education and the economy have become the focus of the Indonesian government in Papua. This step not only aims to improve the welfare of the Papuan population but also strengthens the integration of this region into the unity of the state.
So, the Indonesian people need to support the government to keep Papua intact. This is important to pay attention to because the history of Papua reflects a long journey towards unity and diversity which is the basis of this country. Discussion of Papua’s history in the context of de jure (law) and de facto (real conditions) is important to understand its position as an inseparable part of Indonesia.
Apart from that, it is appealed to the entire community, especially OAP, not to fall into or be consumed by the issue of “Free Papua” which is carried out by a group of people for their personal and group interests.
)* The author is a student at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
