Ahead of PON XX Papua, all elements of society, especially millennials and young people, enthusiastically welcomed it. The emergence of the name Nagita Slavina, the wife of the famous artist Raffi Ahmad became an icon of PON and the proposal of Arie Kriting and other Papuans to include indigenous Papuan women attracted the attention of public. This problem aroused the sense of nationality of Papuans as part of the Indonesian nation, citizens of the Republic of Indonesia. This is contrary to the illusion of a few people who continue to commemorate July 1 as Papua’s independence day. In fact, many Papuans continue to work and excel with Indonesia and have the same opportunities in Indonesian culture.
This is the main issue in the virtual Talkshow held by Channel INC TV (30/6). In its release, the organizers explained that the polemic about the XX Papua PON icon has made us aware that Papuans are very proud to be a part of Indonesian civilization which has unique characteristics like other regions. That Papua is very valuable and capable of providing value to the Indonesian nation.
This forum discussed Papua as a cultural treasure that has its own characteristics as part of Indonesian civilization. according to the organizer, Ali A.H., since the pre-independence era, Papua has been united with other regions in eastern Indonesia such as Sulawesi, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara and others in the Melanesian racial ties. meaning, Indonesia consists of various races including the Melanesian race, so since time immemorial, Indonesia has removed racist barriers.
“Actually, Papuans are proud to be part of Indonesia, Papuan civilization is part of Indonesian civilization, so it is only natural that in the XX PON in Papua, young people want to present a representation of the original cultural identity of Papuathe national show.” he insisted.”This is proof of the statement by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs that Papuans are satisfied with Indonesia’s policies in the easternmost province, even 82% strongly agree with the existence of special autonomy and only 8% reject it.” clear
The spirit of nationalism as an Indonesian citizen was also felt by music producer and musician from Papua, Stephen Wally in the We Talkshow entitled “Papua and Civilizatioan: an Insider perspective” which was organized by Compass Media in collaboration with INC TV and NU Channel (30/06). After going through a long journey to have his own recording studio and one of them once wrote a song for the late Glenn Fredly, now he feels called to raise the value of Papua so that he helps make songs from East especially from Papua. Cultural figures, influencers and other parties have the same task in developing Papua.
“It’s time, we eliminate all stereotypes that are attached to us, Papuans. It’s time for Papua to write a glorious history, making Indonesia proud from Papua. #Torangbisa.” firmly the musician who has succeeded in introducing Papuan music in several countries.
Another speaker, Sastro al Ngatawi explained clearly why Gus Dur took a cultural approach in embracing Papuans as part of Indonesia. Papua has always been a part of Indonesia and its talents have the same values as other Indonesians. In addition, seeing Papua must also go through cultural language that can strengthen the relationship because what is touched is the heart (feeling) to share togetherness. A cultural approach can also be used in the conflict in Papua because what culture touches is feelings, in contrast to political and military approaches because it ignores feelings themselves.
“Our task now is to hone and process gold grains, pearls of civilization, pearls of culture in Papua and everywhere. Be proud to be a Papuan nation as part of Indonesia for the future of civilization.” concluded the cultural figure who had accompanied Gus Dur.
Miss Papua 2006, Putri Nere also agreed. As the first Papuan news anchor on Indonesian national TV, of course there are many obstacles, but from there it shows that Papuans can also take part nationally and even internationally. What must be raised from Papua is the talent of Papuan young people and that also needs support from various parties, especially the media, because Papua is not only about violence and terrorism because Papuan identity is based on art and culture.
“Papua is part of Indonesia, Sun is from the east, Let’s Together build Indonesia with Hearts and provide good perspectives and affirmations about Papua. Papua It’s not just about riots, wars, but there’s more to it than that. Because Papua can, if Papua is prosperous, Indonesia is prosperous.” said the figure from Papua who is currently a professional MC
This pride was also felt by the winner of Indonesia Idol, Nowela Mikhelia. Seeing the very close Papuan fraternity, when she won Indonesian Idol in 2014, she was very moved by most of the people in Papua celebrating it with convoys on the streets and being called to tour around Papua and get treatment special as a talent who brought the name of Papua to the national level. Seen from the brotherhood, Papua can unite to be part of a better Indonesia.
“This sense of Unity cannot be destroyed regardless of our background. We as sons and daughters of Papua must give the best and show that we are part of Indonesia. Through Papua, Indonesia will become a better nation.” said the artist who is currently going down to various remote areas to provide training and vocational training to the community.
The forum, which was broadcast live virtually on INC TV and NU Channel, featured Nowela Mikhelia (Singer, Indonesian Idol Winner), Putri Nere (Miss Papua 2006), Stephen Wally (Papuan musician), and Dr Sastro al Ngatawi (Cultural)and guided by Arie Kriting (artist and comedian from eastern Indonesia). “This forum is very important to foster mutual embrace, hand in hand, one for Papua,” said Arie Kriting.
“Actually, there is nothing that prevents Papua from taking part and showing its talents in Indonesia and it must be seen from two sides; the first side is the Government which opens space for Papuans, the other side is the Papuans themselveswho must seize the opportunity, even though it is ‘complicated’ but it is a necessary ‘complicated’.” he trimmed. [DS]
