By : Ronald Owens )*
Papua, an island located at the eastern tip of Indonesia, has a rich and complex history. As an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), Papua has a legal and final position. It cannot be denied that Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia, and its integrity cannot be contested so that the Papua region will always be an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Papua has become an inseparable part of the nation’s struggle to achieve full sovereignty. With various political dynamics and heavy diplomatic processes, Papua was finally legally integrated into the territory of the Republic of Indonesia in 1969 through the Determination of Popular Opinion (Pepera), which was recognized internationally. Papua, with its abundant natural wealth, is an important asset for Indonesia. This island is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas and gold mines. Apart from that, Papua also has amazing natural beauty, such as unspoiled tropical rainforests and abundant biodiversity. The existence of Papua as part of the Republic of Indonesia has been legally recognized by national and international law.
Papuan Youth Leader, Ali Kabiay said that the integration and status of the land of Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia is a path that has been destined and is a gift from God Almighty. According to him, the position of the Papua region as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia should continue to be maintained as well as possible by all parties, both the government and the indigenous Papuan people.
As an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, Papua is subject to the laws and regulations in force in Indonesia. National law regulates all aspects of life in Papua, including politics, economics, social and culture. International law also recognizes the integrity of Papua as part of Indonesia. Since Papua became part of Indonesia in 1969, various international resolutions and declarations have recognized Papua as an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia.
The Papua region has received recognition from the international world. The recognition of Papua as part of Indonesia is nothing new because the Papua region joined Indonesia in 1969. Many countries in the world have recognized Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia. This is proven by the support provided by various countries and international organizations to Indonesia in maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Papua.
One form of this recognition is through various official statements issued by countries in the world. For example, in 1969, the UN Security Council passed Resolution no. 250 which recognizes Papua as part of Indonesia. Apart from that, many UN member countries also officially recognize Papua as Indonesian territory, including the United States, Australia and countries in Southeast Asia.
The recognition of Papua as part of Indonesia is also reflected in the diplomatic relations that have been established between Indonesia and countries in the world. Indonesia has strong diplomatic relations with many countries, including countries in Europe, America and Asia. Through these diplomatic relations, Indonesia has succeeded in strengthening Papua’s recognition as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of the Association of Regency Governments of All Indonesia (Apkasi), H Isran Noor stated that 99.9 percent of the Papuan people believe that they still love Indonesia and still recognize the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and this means that only 0.1 percent are still members of the Free Papua Organization (OPM) or who wish to separate themselves from parts of the Republic of Indonesia.
Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia is an undeniable reality and will always be part of the Republic of Indonesia. Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia and cannot be contested. Through national and international law, Papua has been recognized as a legal and final part of the Republic of Indonesia. The government has committed to advancing Papua and improving the welfare of its population. Through various development programs and special autonomy policies, the government seeks to strengthen social integration, promote justice and equality, and ensure sustainable and inclusive development in Papua.
Papua is a valuable treasure for Indonesia. This island has great potential to advance the nation and improve the welfare of its population. Therefore, it is important for all parties to respect the integrity of Papua as part of the Republic of Indonesia. By working together and respecting the rights and interests of all parties, Papua can become a prosperous and prosperous region, and make a major contribution to the progress of Indonesia as a whole.
In conclusion, Papua will always be part of the Republic of Indonesia because Papua is an inseparable part of Indonesia which is legally and final recognized by national and international law. The Indonesian government has committed to advancing Papua and improving the welfare of its population through various development programs and special autonomy policies. By respecting Papua’s integrity, we can build a prosperous and prosperous Papua, and make a major contribution to Indonesia’s progress.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
