Beware of Issues of Irresponsibility, Papua Remains Within the Frame of the Republic of Indonesia
By : Ronald Owens )*
Papua, a province located in the eastern part of Indonesia, has been in the world spotlight in recent years. Conflicts that occur in this area are often associated with issues originating from irresponsible parties. Therefore, it is important for us to remain alert to issues like this and ensure that Papua remains an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
One issue that needs to be watched out for is the dissemination of information by irresponsible parties. In today’s digital era, information can be easily spread via various social media platforms. This is often exploited by parties with certain interests to spread tendentious or even misleading narratives, especially regarding the situation in Papua.
The government and society need to be wise in responding to circulating information. Checking the validity of the information source, comparing it with news from various trusted sources, and not getting caught up in momentary emotions are very important. A critical and analytical attitude in consuming information will help prevent the spread of narratives that could worsen the situation in Papua.
More than that, it is important to continue to remind that Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. The motto “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” must always be upheld, where cultural and ethnic diversity becomes a strength, not a divider. Papua is not a separate entity, but an inseparable part of Indonesia’s wealth.
Next, we need to understand that Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. This is recognized by community and international figures who have a deep understanding of Papua’s history and political context. They realize that Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia and that its existence within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia is a fixed price.
One example of a figure who supports Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia is the Papuan traditional figure himself. They have openly stated their support for Papua as part of the Republic of Indonesia. They realize that the existence of Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia provides benefits and protection for the Papuan people. They also realize that Papuan independence will present unwanted challenges and risks for the Papuan people.
Papuan figure Professor Hiro Taime said that the Government of the Republic of Indonesia has firmly stated that there is no country within a country, which is made clear in the framework of the Republic of Indonesia where the Papua region is clearly listed in the 6 provinces and 43 districts and cities that have been formed. On the other hand, the indigenous Papuan people continue to support the inclusion of the Papua region as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia forever.
Likewise, the Chairman of BMP-RI, Republic of Indonesia, Max Abner Ohee, said that Papua remains within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia, so that the Papuan people are not easily provoked by irresponsible elements and disrupt the situation and conditions in the Papua region.
Apart from that, we also need to understand that Papua is legally part of the Republic of Indonesia. This is stipulated by international law and the Indonesian constitution. As a province that has special autonomy, Papua has rights guaranteed by the constitution and recognized by the central government. Therefore, there is no reason to doubt the legitimacy of Papua as part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Even though Papua is clearly an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, there are still parties who try to take advantage of this situation for their own interests. They spread irresponsible issues and try to divide the unity and integrity of Indonesia. Therefore, we must remain alert to issues like this and not be easily provoked by irresponsible parties.
For this reason, we need to pay attention to obtaining information from trusted sources, do not easily believe news that has not been verified or comes from unclear sources, we need to develop a deep understanding of the history and political context of Papua. With better understanding, we will be better able to differentiate between issues originating from responsible parties and issues originating from irresponsible parties.
Apart from that, we also need to maintain the unity and integrity of Indonesia. Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia, and we must ensure that Papua feels respected and recognized as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. This can be done by respecting the rights and culture of the Papuan people, as well as strengthening dialogue between the central government and regional governments.
It is important for us to realize that issues originating from irresponsible parties can damage the unity and unity of Indonesia. Therefore, we must remain vigilant and not be easily provoked by issues like this. Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, and we must ensure that its existence remains safe and protected within the framework of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia which is fixed in value.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
