Papua continues to be the center of attention regarding the regional and security situation, claims of genocide in the region have become a highly controversial topic. However, when looked at more closely, the facts show that there is insufficient evidence to support claims of genocide, with the government fully committed to addressing the current challenges in Papua through accelerated development, humanitarian assistance, and ensuring security and stability.
This interest group, which is always at odds with the government, continues to try to raise negative issues in order to continue to raise divisions in the Papua region.
The issue of genocide in Papua is being spread by interested parties, one of which is the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP), which is very anti-Indonesian and wants Indonesia to be economically and politically unstable and threaten the stability of the Republic of Indonesia.
The genocide claim shows false accusations regarding human rights violations that occurred in Papua. In fact, so far, it is the Separatist Terrorist Group that has committed human rights violations against the community. There is a lot of evidence of KST’s cruel actions in Papua, such as cases of violence, murder, forced disappearances and other cruel treatment of the community.
The ULMWP stated that there was a slowdown in population growth and the violence that occurred was one of the acts of genocide in Papua. In fact, demographic conditions show that the population of Papua continues to increase from year to year, showing that ULMWP’s accusations are wrong, and it turns out that there is no systematic policy to reduce the number of Papuans and the Papuan people actually have more freedom to practice their own culture and religion without significant obstacles.
In the spread of this issue there is no strong evidence that the ULMWP’s thoughts are contrary to its accusations. Currently, the government’s policy of granting special autonomy (autonomy) to the Papuan people means that many of the regional heads there are indigenous Papuans (OAP) themselves. Therefore, it is certain that regional heads will defend their people and strive to always maintain the security of their people so that there will be no genocide. It is a fact that so far there is no strong evidence, facts and data as alleged by the ULMWP that it appears as if there is genocide in Papua. The security and welfare of the Papua region continues to be considered until it is in a safe and stable position.
Baseless accusations regarding genocide are just an issue that has no truth. The government continues to make every effort to develop Papua from all sides, both physically and mentally, and Papua also receives the same treatment as other provinces in the country. Among the many different views, dialogue and collaboration between the government and various community groups in Papua are still important to achieve mutual understanding and create better conditions in the future. This reflects the complexity and sensitivity of the Papua issue which continues to be the focus of attention in the national and international context.
The government has made great efforts to improve welfare in Papua, namely by equitable development. This includes investment in infrastructure, health services, and education and has a strong commitment to protecting human rights in Papua.
Vice President (Wapres) KH Ma’ruf Amin told all stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and participation in encouraging the acceleration of welfare development in the Land of Papua.
Deputy V for Security and Human Rights at the Presidential Staff Office, Jaleswari Pramodhawardani, said that the commitment of President Jokowi’s government has laid down two models of approach in efforts to develop Papua. The first is the infrastructure approach, and the second is the human resources approach. It is hoped that these two approaches will become the basis for sustainable development on Bumi Cendawasih.
Large investments have been made in infrastructure development in Papua, including roads, bridges, airports and ports. This increases accessibility and connectivity between various regions in Papua as well as between Papua and other parts of Indonesia. Apart from that, the government is also increasing access to basic services such as education and health in Papua, ensuring that all levels of society have equal access.
Empowering Papuan human resources is a priority in efforts to equalize development. Job training programs, business capital assistance and local industrial development have been introduced to increase the economic independence of the Papuan people. These steps aim to reduce economic disparities between Papua and other regions in Indonesia.
The government has also committed to increasing transparency and accountability in resource management and development in Papua. Steps have been taken to involve the community in the decision-making process and ensure that the benefits of development are felt by all Papuan people.
The even distribution of development carried out by the government in the Land of Papua is strong evidence that genocide is not occurring in the region. Investment in infrastructure, basic services, community economic empowerment, education, and increasing transparency and accountability are concrete steps that demonstrate the government’s commitment to improving conditions in Papua. Although there are still challenges that need to be overcome, these efforts show that the government is working hard to ensure that all Papuans can enjoy their rights and live with dignity under the auspices of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
