West Papua declared their independence on the 1st of December 2020. It demonstrates numerous differences for Indonesia as a country. However, West Papua independence is a big deal to the people who live there. Especially when it happens so fast with a lot of effort and bravery.
The Declaration of West Papua Independence
West Papua became a separate nation because of a declaration from the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP). Their declaration of independence is no longer debatable. With great spirit, they declared the independence statement, so all the world knows about it.
After the declaration, the people of West Papua, through the ULMWP, chose Benny Wenda as the president. Benny will lead the people of West Papua into sovereignty. With this declaration, they also make a statement that they will never follow the rules of Indonesia because they’re an independent nation.
As we know, West Papua has been part of Indonesia since Soeharto’s leadership. But it’s a different part right now. Our government doesn’t have another option but to accept it and value West Papua independence.
Being separated from Indonesia makes people in West Papua go through hard situations. That’s why we need to give the right response to it. especially to avoid violence against civilians.
The Government’s Effort to Reconcile
The government has made a big effort to reconcile West Papua as one unity. But the declaration of their independence is out of control. In the end, there is nothing we can do but accept it.
A negotiation for peace should be one solution that our government offers for West Papua. But, it didn’t go well. There is always something that leaves a big hole in the hearts of West Papua people.
The government should be wiser to use the natural assets of the people of West Papua. As we know, our government has a big and rapid development project in several spots. It disturbed the West Papuan people who lived there.
Our government should be more assertive on the violence issue. It will be fair enough for them to be punished for their fault, not their identity. For example, they should punish all people that harm civilians. They need to be fair without needing to see who does it.
What About Now?
Now, West Papua is a different nation. They have their own place, their own government, and of course, the president. It’s hard, but we need to admit their independence. However, our government is still doing its best to reconcile with West Papua.
We know that the riot in West Papua is still happening. This is a very big issue that should be the government’s focus. However, civilian safety should become the priority. Both for West Papua and Indonesia, they need to hear this.
It would be better for our government to focus on civilian safety. Just do something that will create a peaceful life for them. They don’t have any fault, but they have to feel the violence.
We know that West Papua declared their independence, but we do know that they have their own region. It’s natural for them to maintain that region with all their efforts. They also have their own rules as a nation.
The key to reuniting West Papua is through negotiation. Also, the government has to make the best offer for them. It’s not a simple thing because the people in West Papua have their own independence.
West Papua independence should be something we admit right now. However, they declared this with a big effort. The government of Indonesia can do its best to reconcile West Papua. But before that, our government should show their respect and stop the violence first.
