KNPB’s Call to Strike Is Irrelevant, Papuan People Welcome the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day with the Spirit of Nationalism
By : Esther Magai )*
In August 2024, the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) issued a call for a national strike as a form of protest against the anniversary of the 1962 New York Agreement. The KNPB considers August to be a month of racism and used this opportunity to hold demonstrations. However, this call received criticism from various elements of Papuan society who felt that the KNPB’s actions did not reflect the aspirations of all Papuan people and could actually trigger unnecessary tension.
The 1962 New York Agreement was an agreement signed between Indonesia and the Netherlands which regulated the handover of the West Papua region to Indonesia. This agreement involved the UN’s role in supervising the handover process and finally holding the Determination of Popular Opinion (Pepera) in 1969. Even though the results of the Pepera stated that West Papua was part of Indonesia, there were some parties who felt that the process was not completely fair and transparent.
The KNPB called a national strike in August in protest against what they saw as continued colonialism and racism. For the KNPB, the month of August is a symbol of the struggle against oppression which they believe is still happening in Papua. However, this call is not fully supported by the Papuan people.
Soon, Indonesia will also commemorate the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17 2024. It is feared that this could trigger the situation in Papua to become less conducive when the KNPB’s calls for provocation will color the independence day. Therefore,
Several community leaders and organizations in Papua stated that the KNPB’s call for a national strike could actually disrupt stability and public order. They considered that the KNPB’s actions were more provocative than solutions, and could cause misunderstanding and conflict among the community.
A Catholic figure and young intellectual from the Land of Papua, Yakobus Dumupa, said that Papua has become part of the Republic of Indonesia and Papuans should also support the government in advancing human resources in the Land of Papua.
Apart from that, in commemoration of Indonesia’s 79th independence day, we must welcome it positively and full of nationalist spirit because even during Dutch rule, the Papua region wanted to be separated from Indonesia. However, this plan was blocked by national heroes from Papua. The struggle carried out by native Papuan sons and daughters to defend their territory is not easy. Therefore, the government designated them as National Heroes to appreciate and commemorate their services. The Papuan national heroes who took part in fighting for Indonesian independence, including making Papua part of the Republic of Indonesia, were Frans Kaisiepo, Marthen Indey, Johannes Abraham Dimara, Silas Papare, and Machmud Singgirei Rumagesan.
In line with this, Papuan religious figure, Reverend Yones Wenda asked the Papuan people to welcome the independence of the Republic of Indonesia with joy. Yones also invited elements of society to maintain security and order in welcoming the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day, which is only a few days away. The public is advised not to take unclear actions to create conflict and thus disrupt the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day later.
He explained that this nation’s independence was thanks to the struggle of the heroes, therefore, let us guard this independence with love for the nation and state. Papuan independence is also absolute and Papua is the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. Papua has become independent from colonialism, and I emphasize that Papua is Indonesia. All people in Papua are also asked to participate in celebrating this independence with a sense of pride.
Secretary General of the Indonesian Red and White Front and Papuan Youth Leader, Ali Kabiay, invited all Papuan people to always maintain safe and conducive security and social order. He said he appreciated the performance of the security forces, namely the TNI and Polri, who have provided a sense of security and comfort to the people throughout Papua, especially in the new autonomous regions or New Autonomous Region.
Furthermore, Ali said that what was done by the security forces, both TNI and Polri, must be given appreciation and support to the government, especially the TNI-Polri because they have helped maintain security activities in Papua so that all activities can run safely, peacefully and prosperously.
The call for a national strike by the KNPB to commemorate the 1962 New York Agreement received criticism from various elements of Papuan society. This action is considered not to reflect the aspirations of the majority of society and has the potential to cause unnecessary tension.
The Papuan people want constructive dialogue and peaceful solutions to overcome existing problems, as well as prioritizing development and prosperity for all Papuan people. With inclusive dialogue and economic and educational empowerment, it is hoped that a better and more harmonious future can be created for Papua and all of Indonesia.
The call for a national strike initiated by the KNPB is considered ridiculous. Because this organization sacrifices various needs and activities of citizens for the interests of a group of people and violates human rights. On the other hand, various parties are advised not to carry out actions that actually disturb the security and comfort of the Papuan people, so that the 79th Indonesian Independence Day can be celebrated with joy and full of nationalist spirit.
)* The author is a student at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences
