The conflict in West Papua aroused public curiosity because a lot of speculation arose from ideological reasons, threats of nationalism, politics related to the pro-independence movement, and even pragmatism in the security business of companies that involved many actors. Since the 1970s in West Papua East Timor, there has been a pro-independence movement that has demanded a re-referendum.
The results of the referendum on the Determination of People’s Opinion (Pepera) in 1969, which was attended by 1,022 Papuan delegates chosen by the government in Jakarta, validated the inclusion of Papua as part of Indonesia. But many pro-independence Papuans feel that the Act of Free Choice was carried out under military pressure.
The Facts About West Papua West Timor
If you want to know more about it. What are the facts about West Papua East Timor?
The Root West Papua East Timor Conflict
Determining the most appropriate strategy to overcome security problems in the Land of West Papua by ending violent acts by anyone and with any motive is not easy. The roots of Papua’s problems include marginalization, and discrimination, including the lack of recognition of West Papua’s contributions and services to Indonesia, the suboptimal development of social infrastructure in West Papua, particularly education, health, people’s economic empowerment, and the low involvement of indigenous West Papuan economic actors.
The armed conflict in West Papua continues to claim lives, displace tens of thousands of people and cause hatred for the Indonesian government. In addition, the process of political, economic, and socio-cultural integration has not been completed, the cycle of political violence has not been resolved, and human rights violations have not been resolved.
Political Interests
The combination of political-ideological interests with economics and pragmatism in West Papua East Timor causes the strategy for handling security in Papua to require a more careful calculation. The dynamics in Papua are closely related to political issues and interests. Conflicts of interest have so far created suspicion, and even distrust, between the government and the Papuan people. The government’s efforts to improve the situation and conditions in Papua are often labeled as marginalization by human rights activists and some Papuans. On the other hand, the Papuan people’s dissatisfaction with the national policy that has not optimally prospered Papuans is often an indication of resistance to the government, including part of the desire to separate themselves politically by many Indonesians who use jargon. nationalism.
West Papua East Timor Conflict Solution
What should the Indonesian government do to maintain security and stability in West Papua? First, there’s no need to overdo it. Second, the government needs to balance the state security approach with the human security approach. The safety of people who are not directly involved in this conflict must be the main priority without discriminating between ethnic groups and races between indigenous people and immigrants.
Third, in the long term, the government needs to build dialogue and negotiations toward reconciliation. Gradually or simultaneously, it is necessary to seek dialogue to prevent the spread of suspicion and distrust, especially between migrant communities and indigenous Papuans as well as between the apparatus and the community.
Fourth, local governments, both governors and regents, need to be more proactive and cooperate with the police in restoring and re-creating a conducive atmosphere. Fifth, the three pillars in Papua (local government of Papua, Papuan People’s Council) need to build coordination and synergy in building the welfare of all people in Papua, both physically and non-physically.
Building a Common Ground
Even though there are no “new” approaches to building peace in West Papua and there are different understandings of the urgency of dialogue it does not mean that dialogue is irrelevant for Papua. The main thing that is needed to make it happen is to build common ground and common interests for a more democratic and prosperous West Papua so that it does not suffer the same fate as East Timor.
That is the conflict in West Papua East Timor over indigenous sovereignty and self-determination. Looking for a common solution is not only to maintain the integrity of Indonesia but moreover to respect and respect the dignity of West Papua in the plurality of Indonesian society.
