By: Bernard Lalawan
Papua, as an inseparable part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), has become the focus of public attention, especially in the context of issues of sovereignty and regional stability. Historically, Papua has been an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. The view that Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia that cannot be separated is very relevant whatever the conditions.
In showing the government’s position and providing a strong view on the integration of Papua within the Republic of Indonesia, member of Commission I DPR, TB Hasanuddin, emphasized that the Republic of Indonesia is a fixed price. The integrity of the Republic of Indonesia is a non-negotiable principle, and there is no room for compromise regarding Indonesia’s sovereignty
This statement is not only based on political and security considerations, but also on a strong legal basis, such as the New York Agreement in 1963 which designated Papua as part of the Republic of Indonesia.
The historical aspect is a strong basis for asserting that Papua is a legitimate part of the Republic of Indonesia. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the Papua region has been under the sovereignty of the Dutch East Indies, which was then handed over to the Indonesian government after the Proclamation of Independence in 1945. In 1963, through the signing of the New York Agreement between Indonesia and the Netherlands, Papua officially became part of NKRI. In the following year, the process of handing over Papua’s sovereignty to Indonesia was carried out peacefully through a process known as Pepera (Determination of Popular Opinion). Therefore, legally and historically, Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesian territory.
Furthermore, in the context of the security situation in Papua, the Commander of Kodam XVII/Cenderawasih, Major General TNI Izak Pangemanan, also emphasized that the Land of Papua is an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. He emphasized that the UN had closed the decolonization of Papua on May 1 1963, confirming Papua as a legally valid territory under Indonesian sovereignty. This statement from the Commander of Kodam
National unity and integrity are very important values in maintaining Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. As an archipelagic country with diverse tribes, religions and cultures, Indonesia has built a strong foundation in the form of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, which means “Diverse but still one”. This spirit must be applied consistently throughout Indonesia to ensure that cultural diversity does not become a divider, but instead becomes an enriching force.
Meanwhile, Vice President Ma’ruf Amin also emphasized that the government continues to make efforts to free the Susi Air pilot who is being held hostage by KST Papua. However, he emphasized that it was impossible to compensate for the hostage-taking by granting independence to Papua. Ma’ruf highlighted that KST Papua’s demands are irrelevant and do not reflect the aspirations of all Papuan people, but only certain groups in the Papuan Mountains region. This statement emphasizes that the hostage-taking issue must not be misused to undermine the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.
In the political and security context, the need to deal with separatist groups such as KST Papua is a priority. DPR Commission I, together with security forces and the central government, have discussed the steps that need to be taken to overcome the worrying situation in several regions of Papua. By strengthening the legal basis and improving coordination between various related parties, it is hoped that a stable and safe environment can be created for all Papuans.
Papua’s active participation in the Indonesian democratic process shows that Papua is an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia. With special autonomy through the Papua Special Autonomy Law, the Papuan regional government has broad authority to regulate its own local affairs, in accordance with Papua’s special needs and characteristics. This confirms our shared commitment to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of Papua within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia.
Overall, Papua is an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia, both in terms of history, geography, and the values of national unity and unity. For this reason, joint efforts are needed from all parties, including the central government, regional governments, Papuan people, and all Indonesian citizens, to maintain and strengthen the integration of Papua within the Republic of Indonesia, as well as ensuring equitable development and prosperity for all Papuan people.
In conclusion, Papua is an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia, not only historically and legally, but also from the perspective of Indonesian nationality. Efforts to strengthen Papua’s integration within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia must be based on the principles of state sovereignty and national unity, and implemented through inclusive and sustainable development for the welfare of all Papuan people, which is still ongoing.
The author is a student from Ambon
