Gov’t Call for Holistic, Humanistic Approaches to Resolve Papuan Issues

Representatives of Papua and West Papua’s Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) discuss with Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko in a meeting at Bina Graha Building, Jakarta, Tuesday (24/9). (Photo by: Presidential Chief of Staff Public Relations)

The Government is extremely concerned about policies carried out in Papua and call for holistic and humanistic approaches to resolve problems in the province.

The statement was made by Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko when he along with Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo received representatives of Papua and West Papua’s Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), at Bina Graha Building, Jakarta, Tuesday (24/9).

Moeldoko added that stability in Papua means stability in the country, and vice versa. He also expressed deep concern over riots in Papua and West Papua that inflicted casualties both from the civilians and security officers.

“Thus, maintaining regional stability is really important,” Moeldoko firmly said.

Regarding Papuan demand for the Government to withdraw the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri) officers from the province, Moeldoko asserted that the security officers are deployed merely to protect the people in Papua.

Also on that occasion, the Chairman of Papua and West Papua’s Regional House of Representatives Association Ferdinan put forward 8 demands of the people of Papua and West Papua. The demands are, among others: 1. Urge the Government to hold a dialog between Central Government and Papuan prominent figures; 2. Urge the Government to revise Law Number 21 of 2001 on Special Autonomy for the Province of Papua; 3. Urge the Government to withdraw troops and TNI and Polri officers from Papua and West Papua; 4. Demand the Government to approve expansion of new autonomous region; 5. Ask the Government to facilitate a meeting between center of education in Java Island with that of Papua and West Papua; 5. Call for re-establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to resolve a number of human rights violation cases in Papua; 7. Ask Minister of Home Affairs to facilitate a meeting with the President to deliver their aspirations; and 8. Call for honest, fair, and open laws enforcement towards racial cases in Surabaya, Malang, and Makassar.

“The demands are the main points which have been formulated by the Association and must be delivered to solve the problems in Papua appropriately since we are the representative of all Papuans,” Ferdinan said.

Moeldoko welcomed the members of association attending the meeting and told them that the people of Papua trust that their representatives will voice their aspiration for improved services and progress.

“We have to deliver all aspirations to be able to respond to any complaints from the public appropriately,” Moeldoko firmly said. (Presidential Chief of Staff Public Relations/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani