West Papua People Demands Referendum

Posted on Jul 02, 2011

The West Papua National Committee (KNPB) has demanded that the Indonesian government allows political rights to each of the Papuans to decide their destiny. “We demand a referendum,” said KNPB Indonesian Consulate Chairman Viktor Kogoya in discussions in Jakarta on Friday (01/07/2011).

This is the result of many disappoint Papuans who feel trapped because of militaristic style operation that are currently taking place in Papua.

“It’s been 10 years of reform, but we Papuans see (the national) policy against Papuans is no different than the New Order era” says Viktor referring to the New Order under the former president Suharto.

Papuan at a rally demanding separation from Indonesia

According to him, dialogue efforts which were conducted with the government during BJ Habibie administration did not produce the desired results for Papuans as conflicts continues to ravage the land. He deplored the absence of specific government policies to resolve the conflict that has lasted for more than 40 years.

To that end, he urged the government to allow the implementation of referendum. “Every citizen of Papua should be given their political rights, whether they still want to unite with the Republic of Indonesia or to secede and become independence,” Victor said.

He also urged the government to be open and allows the involvement of foreign parties in negotiations. This was based on the success of the reconciliation that occurred in Aceh after the government negotiated with the help of foreign third party that works and finally brought peace to the area. Viktor believes the same strategy can also be applied in Papua. “If the government does not allow a referendum in Papua, this problem will continue,” he concluded.

According to Viktor, on July 1 which coincide with the Free Papua Organization anniversary, Papua Police Chief Inspector General Suprapto instructed an extra tight security in Papua. In fact, the alert I status was introduced as well as the placement of snipers in vital areas. In addition to that, massive sweeping and inspections were also carried out.

Social activities were became paralyzed due to excessive security committed by the police. “With all of these military presences here, Papuans can not do their activity”.

Viktor said that the differences paradigm between the Indonesian government and Papuans needs to be straighten out. The Government considers that the Free Papua Organization was born because of the injustice felt by Papuans. But Papuans actually believe that the Free Papua Organization is their only hope to enhance the dignity of the Papuans. “We know, since Papua ever joined the Republic of Indonesia, the Papuans were never appreciated,” he explained