By: Loa Murib )*
May 1st is an important moment that emphasizes that Papua is a legitimate and inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Through the historic event of May 1st, 1963 which was followed by the Determination of the People’s Opinion (Pepera) in 1969, the integrity of Papua within the framework of the NKRI gained legitimacy, both from the Indonesian people and from the international world. Every year, the commemoration of Papua Integration Day is an opportunity to reaffirm the spirit of unity and reject all forms of separatist provocation that seek to undermine the nation’s sovereignty.
In various regions of Papua, including Fakfak, the spirit of commemorating Integration Day is manifested through activities involving the community, local government, security forces, and various community organizations. Commander of Kodim 1803/Fakfak, Lieutenant Colonel Inf Lukman Permana, together with Pemuda Panca Marga (PPM) actively prepared for this commemoration by holding coordination meetings, screening historical documentation, and preparing for the Red and White Parade. This step is not only a means of respecting history, but also aims to educate the younger generation that Papua has legally and finally become part of Indonesia.
Danrem 182/Jazira Onim, Colonel Inf Irwan Budiana, emphasized that the events of May 1, 1963 were a final decision that did not need to be debated anymore. Since then, the government has consistently developed Papua to improve the quality of life of the community. The commitment to the principle of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika is reflected in the social harmony in Papua, where people from various cultural and religious backgrounds live side by side in peace. Fakfak, for example, is known as one of the best examples of how harmony and unity can continue to be maintained in the land of Papua.
However, in historical moments like this, provocative efforts often emerge from the separatist group Free Papua Movement (OPM) which tries to take advantage of the situation to spread false narratives and disrupt security stability. The Head of the Defense Information Bureau of the Indonesian Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, emphasized that the separatist narrative spread by the OPM must be firmly rejected because it is contrary to the spirit of nationalism and national unity. This separatist movement only represents a handful of groups that do not represent the aspirations of the majority of the Papuan people.
Facts on the ground show that Papuans actually reject separatist efforts and prefer to unite to build their region together with the government. Support for the Republic of Indonesia is evident in various national declaration activities, active participation in regional development, and the enthusiasm of the community in participating in national programs. The young generation of Papua is now appearing as a driving force for change, proving that they want to advance together with Indonesia through education, economy, and innovation.
The government under various leaderships continues to demonstrate a strong commitment to accelerate the development of Papua. Various national strategic programs such as the construction of the Trans Papua road, the development of special economic zones, the provision of health facilities, the construction of schools and universities, and efforts to empower the economy of indigenous peoples, are carried out to narrow the gap between regions. This seriousness proves that the government is not only focused on the political aspect, but also on improving the real welfare of the Papuan people.
From an international legal perspective, the integration of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia is legitimate and cannot be challenged. The 1969 People’s Opinion Determination (Pepera) was carried out with the involvement of the United Nations (UN) and resulted in the majority decision of the Papuan people who chose to remain with Indonesia. Thus, the efforts of separatist groups to question the legitimacy of Papua’s integration are contrary to historical facts and applicable international legal provisions.
The momentum of Papua Integration Day is also an important opportunity to build a positive narrative in the public space. The role of the mass media, traditional figures, religious figures, academics, and youth is very vital in disseminating correct information about Papuan history. Increasing historical literacy among the younger generation will strengthen the nation’s ideological defense against disinformation and propaganda efforts launched by separatist groups.
In the future, the great task of all components of the nation is to ensure that Papua continues to develop in an atmosphere of peace, prosperity, and brotherhood. Developing Papua is not only the government’s task, but also requires the active involvement of the Papuan people themselves, the world of education, the business world, and all other elements of the Indonesian nation. With the spirit of unity, Papua is believed to be one of the important pillars of Indonesia’s progress in the future.
Papua is Indonesia. The integration of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia is not merely a political decision, but is part of a long journey of joint struggle to build a united and sovereign nation. By rejecting separatist provocations, strengthening a sense of unity, and supporting the acceleration of development, the Indonesian nation shows a real commitment to caring for Papua as an integral and inseparable part of Indonesia.
The commemoration of Papua Integration Day reminds the entire Indonesian nation that the task of maintaining unity is a sacred duty. Papua is not only Indonesia’s past, but also Indonesia’s future. With hard work, synergy, and high national spirit, Papua will continue to grow and develop into a land of peace, a land of hope, and a land of the future together with all the children of the nation.
)* The author is a student from Papua in Surabaya
