Papua is a Legal Part of the Republic of Indonesia, People Reject Efforts by Separatist Groups to Disturb National Sovereignty
By Jonathan Rumkabu )*
Papua, as an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), has received wide recognition from the United Nations (UN) and the international community. Since Papua became part of Indonesia in 1969, recognition of Papua’s attachment to the Republic of Indonesia has been emphasized repeatedly by the UN and its member countries. Papua, with all its ethnic and cultural diversity, has become an inseparable part of Indonesia’s diversity.
Efforts to separate Papua from the Republic of Indonesia not only conflict with the principles of democracy and state sovereignty, but also damage the integrity of the nation. This will create regional political and social instability, as well as disrupt development efforts and community welfare in Papua.
The government has committed to developing Papua inclusively, fighting for the rights of Papuans, and accelerating Papua’s development so that any attempt to separate itself will only hamper the development process and cause unnecessary tension.
In a global context, the international community has also provided support for Indonesia’s territorial integrity. Efforts to separate from the Republic of Indonesia will not be supported by the international community which respects the principles of state sovereignty and integrity.
As a sovereign country, Indonesia has recognized Papua as an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia, in accordance with international law and the country’s constitution. Thus, efforts made by separatist groups, such as the West Papua Liberation Movement or United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) to separate Papua from the Republic of Indonesia not only violate the Indonesian constitution, but also conflict with the principles of international law.
In international law, the territorial integrity of a state is respected and maintained. And in the Papuan context, there is no legal basis or legitimacy that permits attempts at secession. ULMWP through their actions and campaigns, including demonstrations and political propaganda, not only tries to disrupt Indonesia’s sovereignty, but also ignores the legal and democratic processes that already exist in the country. This is a violation of Indonesian law and national security.
Therefore, it is important for all parties to understand that efforts to separate Papua from the Republic of Indonesia are irrelevant and will only disrupt the integrity of the nation and hinder the development and welfare of the Papuan people. Solidarity and cooperation within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia are the keys to achieving sustainable progress for all Indonesian people, including Papuans.
Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia also continues to be voiced by the people of Papua. One of them is the Regional Secretary (Sekda) of Jayapura Regency, Hana S Hikoyabi, who called Papua an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. This was conveyed at the May 1 ceremony to commemorate Papua’s Integration Day into Indonesia in 1963.
In 2024, all people in Papua will reflect that Papua is an integral part of Indonesia, by holding ceremonies at the graves of Papuan heroes. He appealed to no one to argue that May 1 is annexation day, but it must be understood as the day Papua joined Indonesia. Because this is legal in the eyes of the world.
In Papua, the enthusiasm to develop and advance this region as an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is very strong. The people in Papua firmly reject the separatist movement because they are aware that these efforts will actually hinder the ongoing process of equitable development and all efforts to advance the Land of Papua.
The people in Papua believe that by remaining united within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia, the community can more effectively participate in the development process, voice their needs, and take part in the formation of policies that affect the region. Apart from that, the Papuan people also realize that peace and political stability are important prerequisites for sustainable development. Therefore, the community rejects all forms of separatism that could disrupt stability and peace in the Earth of Cenderawasih region.
This was also demonstrated in the activity of stretching almost 11 thousand meters of red and white cloth, as a form of commemoration of the historical events that Papua has gone through to become part of the Republic of Indonesia. Acting Mayor of Jayapura, Frans Pekey, said that there was a big meaning behind this activity. The Jayapura City Government and Papua in general want to convey to the world that Papua is an official part of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia which was joined on May 1, 1963.
The entire population of Papua firmly rejects all attempts by separatist groups to separate themselves from the Republic of Indonesia. This view is reflected in the strong attitude of the Papuan people who respect the spirit of national unity and unity. The people in Papua believe that by remaining united under the flag of the Republic of Indonesia, Papua can be developed into a better region, without having to sacrifice national stability and unity.
By maintaining unity with Indonesia, the Papuan people believe that they can achieve a shared vision of developing the Land of Papua into a region that is prosperous, sustainable and equal to other regions in Indonesia. Solidarity and national spirit are the main drivers in rejecting separatist movements and together building a better future for the people of Papua and the people of all of Indonesia.
)* The author is a socio-political observer from Jayapura
