By: Fransiska Asso
Amid the ongoing conflict and separatist narratives promoted by a handful of armed groups in Papua—groups that have long disturbed society and hindered development across the region—the voices of peace from traditional and religious leaders are growing stronger. The designation of July 1 as the anniversary of the West Papua National Liberation Army – Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), also known as an Armed Criminal Group (KKB), has been firmly rejected by the indigenous Papuan communities. This rejection is not isolated; rather, it reflects the collective will of the Papuan people to leave behind a painful past and open a new chapter of peace, unity, and prosperity within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
The violent narrative that has long been upheld by separatist groups is increasingly losing relevance among the people. Indigenous communities, which serve as the social and cultural backbone of Papua, have embraced peace as their principal path. Papuan customary leader Yanto Eluay emphasizes that the noble values embedded in Papuan traditions never promote violence as a means of resolving conflict. On the contrary, the spirit of consensus, mutual respect, and harmony has been passed down through generations as part of the Papuan identity.
The rejection of the July 1 commemoration is not merely a spontaneous reaction—it is a form of cultural resistance against efforts to politicize identity in ways that contradict Papua’s true character. The separatist movement has been seen as exploiting cultural symbols to justify acts of violence that ultimately harm the Papuan people themselves. In this context, the July 1 commemoration represents pain and fear, rather than collective pride.
The firm rejection of July 1 as the TPNPB-OPM anniversary is also a declaration that Papuans no longer want to live in an outdated narrative of conflict. The people of Papua want progress, prosperity, and a secure environment in which their children can grow. The future of Papua cannot be built on the ruins of violence. That future can only be achieved if society collectively chooses peace as the foundation of its social life.
Furthermore, indigenous communities have expressed that development in Papua can only succeed if security and stability are maintained. When weapons continue to dominate the discourse, development grinds to a halt. Schools are emptied, healthcare services are disrupted, and people live in fear. Under such conditions, no social investment can survive. Therefore, stability is not just a government priority—it is a fundamental need of the Papuan people themselves.
The rejection of separatist symbols also reflects a rising awareness among the younger generation in Papua. This generation is no longer enchanted by the romanticism of armed struggle, which has only brought destruction. Young Papuans now understand that overcoming underdevelopment can only be achieved through education, hard work, and collaboration—not bullets and propaganda. In today’s increasingly connected digital era, Papuan youth are exposed to the wider world and can see for themselves that true progress can only flourish in a climate of peace and stability.
Calls for peace from religious leaders further affirm that the desire to leave behind conflict is not limited to traditional circles—it has become a shared moral stance among Papuan society. Church leaders and spiritual figures express deep concern about the impact of violence on daily life. They have witnessed people being forced to flee their homes, children afraid to attend school, and local economies crippled by armed tensions.
Both religious and customary values reject violence. These two pillars of society instead encourage reconciliation and harmonious living. From their perspective, the path of violence is a dead end—one that leads nowhere.
In recent years, the government has demonstrated a serious commitment to accelerating development in Papua. Investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and local entrepreneurship have been continuously promoted. Yet none of this will matter without public support. That is why voices from indigenous and religious leaders must be placed at the center of Papua’s future development narrative. They reflect the grassroots voice—the voice that truly understands what the Papuan people need.
Papua today stands at a critical juncture in determining its future direction. It would be a great loss if the progress already underway were to be derailed by the persistence of a violent few. The rejection of July 1 as the anniversary of an armed group is a bold and resolute stance that Papua will not surrender to narratives that endanger its future.
The message is clear: Papua chooses peace. Papua refuses to live under the shadow of conflict. Papua seeks to build a brighter future for its younger generations—one rooted in safety, prosperity, and unity.
In this context, the rejection of separatist symbols is not a denial of history, but an effort to reclaim the future. And when the Papuan people themselves speak out, the world must listen: Papua is part of Indonesia, and in this land, peace has been chosen as the path to progress.
Fransiska Asso is a Literacy Advocate and Native Papuan Youth.
