Peaceful demonstrations are often held by some people who call themselves the "Free West Papua Campaign (FWPC)" is in front of the Embassy of London led Benny Wenda seraca not to be taken politically, because it was just the way they make money by attracting the attention of tourists. This was said by one of his former political combatants Free Papua Movement (OPM) which has officially returned to the bosom of the motherland Indonesia, Nicholas messed.
"Action demonstration in front of the Embassy London starring Benny Wenda who wore traditional dress of Papua's indigenous people is an art attraction, so as not to be taken politically, but viewed from the side of the art of traditional dress. Pendemonya shouting If Papuan independence then it is not needs ignored, "he said.
Benny Wenda should not need to seek a political sensation abroad, but just go back to Papua, his homeland and with his brothers to build Papua New Papua is more just, peaceful and prosperous.
Benny Wenda should be aware she is currently being used by certain NGOs to the NGO's own interests that the ends are pulled sympathetic to bring more money for the success of the political agenda of these NGOs. FWPC in action never received support from the British government, for their own FWPC not recognized as an official organization in the UK. So what FWPC campaigning for Papuan independence, if the UK supports the integrity of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia and Papua part of Indonesia.
'It should be noted, the British Government has formally and consistently recognized Papua as an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia, "he said. According messed, what is done Benny Wenda with his colleagues was just a waste of time and energy. Far better he returned to Papua to build this land of Papua.
"I've had decades of experience in foreign countries struggling for independence of Papua, but the struggle was futile, even torment yourself and harming others in the land of the people of Papua," he said. "Whether or not good, my land Papua better. Rain in the land of gold, stones rain in their own country, right in their own country," he said poetically.
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Selasa, 19 Januari 2010
Rabu, 13 Januari 2010
Free Papua Organization (OPM) group founder back in Indonesia
Free Papua Organization (OPM) rebel group founder Nicholas Jouwe arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday and vowed to spend the rest of his life in the country. Jouwe, 86, proceeded to the office of the Coordinating Public Welfare Minister Agung Laksono upon his arrival in Jakarta. Transportation Minister Freddy Numberi, who is a native Papuan, was also seen at the meeting.
“I left the Netherlands to settle on my home soil of Indonesia for good,” Jouwe was quoted by Antara.He said he was happy with the Indonesian government’s reception of him and its commitment to solving Papua’s problems.
In press conference Nicolas Jouwe said that I think Papua is part of Indonesia. We talked about the cooperation program, which is what we need. We have to develop the Papua land,” .
When asked about a series of attacks which are linked to OPM in Papua, Jouwe said the perpetrators were just “young people who know nothing.” “They emulated what other people in other parts of Indonesia did,” he added.
Source : Papua Today
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“I left the Netherlands to settle on my home soil of Indonesia for good,” Jouwe was quoted by Antara.He said he was happy with the Indonesian government’s reception of him and its commitment to solving Papua’s problems.
In press conference Nicolas Jouwe said that I think Papua is part of Indonesia. We talked about the cooperation program, which is what we need. We have to develop the Papua land,” .
When asked about a series of attacks which are linked to OPM in Papua, Jouwe said the perpetrators were just “young people who know nothing.” “They emulated what other people in other parts of Indonesia did,” he added.
Source : Papua Today
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Keerom district should be RI`s showcase on PNG border
Keerom district bordering Papua New Guinea (PNG) should be treated as the country`s "front yard" and therefore it should have adequate public facilities and a community welfare improved through empowerment programs, a regional official said.
The efforts needed to be made to make a positive impression with neighboring countries, said Keerom District Chief Celcius Watae here Tuesday.
He said the border region had strategic potentials but was also prone to security , political, socio-economic and cultural problems. Therefore, it should receive more attention, in order to create harmony with the neighboring country and prevent its community from becoming poorer than people on the other side of the border.
However, in reality development in the border area was making very slow progress as if it was the country`s "backyard," he said. . This way of things should be changed and the border region should be regarded as the country`s front porch in which outsiders could see the face of the nation, he said.
He said conditions in Keerom district on the border with PNG had unique characteristics because its people still had ties of kinship, culture and indigenous ownership of traditional lands with people on the other side of the border. Many people in Keerom still had relatives living just across he border with PNG with whom they shared customary ownership of land.
Conversely, many PNG citizens had relatives living on Indonesian territory and even owned land in the Republic of Indonesia.
"Resident who lives here (Indonesia) and there (PNG) experienced life as one big village that makes them need each other over the yearsm," he said and pointed out that the Walsa and Fermagem tribes were each actually part of the same extended family but lived in both Indonesia and PNG.
Both these tribes, he said, had members scattered in 14 villages living on PNG territory and in six villages on Indonesian territory , namely Kampung Ampas, Kalifam, Banda,: Pund, Kalimo and Yuwainde. Until July 2009, as many as 464 people from PNG were still living in and had settled down in the villages of Kampung Yabanda, Sengi sub-district, Keerom district.
Despite the efforts of the government to make the local people aware of their Indonesian citizenship the mobility of people between villages along the border was difficult to stop, especially in Keerom where a market selling a variety of basic needs was also attracting buyers from across the border.
To anticipate developments in the neighboring country, the Indonesian government which had the authority to handle the border areas to build public facilities such as roads, bridges, educational facilities, health services and schools.
Regarding the security situation on the border with PNG, Cenderahwasih XVII regional commander Maj. Gen. AY Nasution said security conditions there were expected to improve in 2010.
Moreover, the Free Papua Organization (OPM)figure Nicolaas Jouwe who had settled abroad, returned to Papua and chose to be an Indonesian citizens. Nicolaas, reportedly arrived in Jakarta on Monday (Jan 111) and will soon head to Jayapura.
Source : ANTARA News
Read More..
The efforts needed to be made to make a positive impression with neighboring countries, said Keerom District Chief Celcius Watae here Tuesday.
He said the border region had strategic potentials but was also prone to security , political, socio-economic and cultural problems. Therefore, it should receive more attention, in order to create harmony with the neighboring country and prevent its community from becoming poorer than people on the other side of the border.
However, in reality development in the border area was making very slow progress as if it was the country`s "backyard," he said. . This way of things should be changed and the border region should be regarded as the country`s front porch in which outsiders could see the face of the nation, he said.
He said conditions in Keerom district on the border with PNG had unique characteristics because its people still had ties of kinship, culture and indigenous ownership of traditional lands with people on the other side of the border. Many people in Keerom still had relatives living just across he border with PNG with whom they shared customary ownership of land.
Conversely, many PNG citizens had relatives living on Indonesian territory and even owned land in the Republic of Indonesia.
"Resident who lives here (Indonesia) and there (PNG) experienced life as one big village that makes them need each other over the yearsm," he said and pointed out that the Walsa and Fermagem tribes were each actually part of the same extended family but lived in both Indonesia and PNG.
Both these tribes, he said, had members scattered in 14 villages living on PNG territory and in six villages on Indonesian territory , namely Kampung Ampas, Kalifam, Banda,: Pund, Kalimo and Yuwainde. Until July 2009, as many as 464 people from PNG were still living in and had settled down in the villages of Kampung Yabanda, Sengi sub-district, Keerom district.
Despite the efforts of the government to make the local people aware of their Indonesian citizenship the mobility of people between villages along the border was difficult to stop, especially in Keerom where a market selling a variety of basic needs was also attracting buyers from across the border.
To anticipate developments in the neighboring country, the Indonesian government which had the authority to handle the border areas to build public facilities such as roads, bridges, educational facilities, health services and schools.
Regarding the security situation on the border with PNG, Cenderahwasih XVII regional commander Maj. Gen. AY Nasution said security conditions there were expected to improve in 2010.
Moreover, the Free Papua Organization (OPM)figure Nicolaas Jouwe who had settled abroad, returned to Papua and chose to be an Indonesian citizens. Nicolaas, reportedly arrived in Jakarta on Monday (Jan 111) and will soon head to Jayapura.
Source : ANTARA News
Read More..
Mimika students, councilors call for end to tribal clashes
Markus Makur
Fifth-grader Eikman Songgonao from the SD Inpres state elementary school in Kwamki Lama in Mimika, Papua, has not been to school since tribal clashes erupted last week.“My friends and I want to go back to school, but we’re terrified of the fighting still taking place in Kwamki Lama,” Songgonao told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
He appealed to the upper and lower Kwamki Lama tribes involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities so the students could return to school. The feud is blamed on the failure of one of the tribes to pay compensation for a rape allegedly committed by a member of the rival tribe six months ago.“Students from both warring tribes have missed out on school, and some have even joined their parents in the fighting,” Songgonao said during a visit by Mimika and Papua legislators.
“I’ve asked my parents to stop their involvement in the conflict.”
The school has been closed for the past week, following the tribal clashes that often play out right in front of the schoolyard.
Songgonao said teachers were no longer willing to come to Kwamki Lama due to the conflict.
“I don’t know when this war will end. I’m very sad about the situation in Kwamki Lama,” he said.
“The warring groups, those who still have family ties, must immediately stop the conflict.”
Songgonao added he had earlier taken part in the fighting, while his friends were still engaged in it.
Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Moh. Sagi said police had tried to mediate in the dispute.
Police have cordoned off the main battleground and posted personnel in the area. Both warring groups, previously armed with bows and arrows, have since laid down their arms, and for the most part the attacks had ceased over the weekend.
“Councilors from the Mimika and Papua legislatures are here today to meet both communities in an effort to stop the conflict,” Sagi said.
“I hope the groups are able to end the hostilities and seek a peaceful way to reach a peace agreement.”
Mimika councilor Elminus Mom, from the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), said the regency legislature had been trying to forge a peaceful resolution for the past week.
“As a native of Kwamki Lama and a tribal member sitting in the legislature, I urge the groups to end the fighting today,” he said.
“The Mimika and Papua councilors will only be here today and are waiting for the two to make peace.”
Mimika councilor Pieter Magal, from the Democratic Party, echoed the call.
“I’m present and standing here now to urge the people to stop the fighting,” he said, adding he himself was from the local Amungme tribe.
Upper Kwamki Lama battle leader Yulianus Agabal said he was open to the reconciliation efforts by the regency and provincial councilors.
“We accept every effort made by the Mimika and Papua legislators to end the conflict,” he said.
“As the victims, we will meet with the lower Kwamki Lama group to discuss ending the conflict immediately.”
Source : The Jakarta Post
Read More..
Fifth-grader Eikman Songgonao from the SD Inpres state elementary school in Kwamki Lama in Mimika, Papua, has not been to school since tribal clashes erupted last week.“My friends and I want to go back to school, but we’re terrified of the fighting still taking place in Kwamki Lama,” Songgonao told The Jakarta Post on Monday.
He appealed to the upper and lower Kwamki Lama tribes involved in the conflict to immediately cease hostilities so the students could return to school. The feud is blamed on the failure of one of the tribes to pay compensation for a rape allegedly committed by a member of the rival tribe six months ago.“Students from both warring tribes have missed out on school, and some have even joined their parents in the fighting,” Songgonao said during a visit by Mimika and Papua legislators.
“I’ve asked my parents to stop their involvement in the conflict.”
The school has been closed for the past week, following the tribal clashes that often play out right in front of the schoolyard.
Songgonao said teachers were no longer willing to come to Kwamki Lama due to the conflict.
“I don’t know when this war will end. I’m very sad about the situation in Kwamki Lama,” he said.
“The warring groups, those who still have family ties, must immediately stop the conflict.”
Songgonao added he had earlier taken part in the fighting, while his friends were still engaged in it.
Mimika Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Moh. Sagi said police had tried to mediate in the dispute.
Police have cordoned off the main battleground and posted personnel in the area. Both warring groups, previously armed with bows and arrows, have since laid down their arms, and for the most part the attacks had ceased over the weekend.
“Councilors from the Mimika and Papua legislatures are here today to meet both communities in an effort to stop the conflict,” Sagi said.
“I hope the groups are able to end the hostilities and seek a peaceful way to reach a peace agreement.”
Mimika councilor Elminus Mom, from the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), said the regency legislature had been trying to forge a peaceful resolution for the past week.
“As a native of Kwamki Lama and a tribal member sitting in the legislature, I urge the groups to end the fighting today,” he said.
“The Mimika and Papua councilors will only be here today and are waiting for the two to make peace.”
Mimika councilor Pieter Magal, from the Democratic Party, echoed the call.
“I’m present and standing here now to urge the people to stop the fighting,” he said, adding he himself was from the local Amungme tribe.
Upper Kwamki Lama battle leader Yulianus Agabal said he was open to the reconciliation efforts by the regency and provincial councilors.
“We accept every effort made by the Mimika and Papua legislators to end the conflict,” he said.
“As the victims, we will meet with the lower Kwamki Lama group to discuss ending the conflict immediately.”
Source : The Jakarta Post
Read More..
Minggu, 10 Januari 2010
Central Government Budget Assistance to Papua TA.2010 USD $ 21.89 Trillion
JAYAPURA/PT- On January 8, 2010 Papua receive Form Implementation of the central government budget which has increased from the previous year 2009 only Rp 19.058 trillion, then in 2010 was the Papua received Rp 21.89 trillion or an increase of about USD 2.8 trillion from the central government. In his speech the Governor of Papua Barnabas Suebu, SH said, the total fund of Rp 21.89 trillion from the State Revenues and Expenditures (Budget), among others sourced from a managed budget agencies of central government, the General Allocation Fund (DAU), the Special Allocation Fund (DAK), the Special Autonomy Fund (Autonomy) and Infrastruktut Autonomy Fund.
Delivery of DIPA has a symbolic meaning that is very important, namely that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono wants the continuity of development which took place without a break, without stopping, in Papua Province. For that there is no reason to delay implementation of the budget in the form of development activities that have been planned in accordance with the stages according to the applicable government regulations, seriously guided by the principles of budget management is accountable, results-oriented, professional, proportionate , and open / transparent. In his speech President Yudhoyono asked the seriousness of all parties to not accumulate disbursements at year-end budget, but disseminate it more proportional to each quarter. That means that the implementation of the budget must be started early in 2010 so that the role of government budget as a stimulus to the economy actually improved efektifivitasnya.
The entire state budget funds in 2010 amounted to USD 1047.6 Trillion consisting of, the central government budget of Rp 725.2 trillion, and transfers to regional budgets amounted to Rp 322.4 Trillion
Of total central government budget, allocated to them, spending Employees Rp 160.3 trillion, spending Rp 107.0 T goods, capital expenditure Rp 82.1 trillion, social assistance and Rp 64.2 trillion debt interest spending, subsidies and spending Other-Other amounted to Rp 30.7 trillion.
Then the total budget allocation of funds for Papua Province, managed by government agencies is central to Rp 5.78 trillion, with the details, shopping Employees Rp 1.60 trillion, spending Rp 1.29 trillion of goods, capital expenditure Rp 1.95 Trillion , and social assistance Trilyun.Lembaga USD $ 0.92 this year the government allocated a large enough budget is the national education department Rp 0.54 trillion, the department of defense Rp 0.61 trillion, the Ministry of Public Works USD 1.44 Trillion, National Police Rp 0.63 trillion, the Ministry of Health amounted to Rp 0.07 trillion, and the Department of Transportation is Rp 0.65 trillion.
National Education Fund Allocation of them will be used for Social Assistance Institute of Education, Office of Education, Youth and Sports of Papua province to Rp 360.5 billion. Allocation of Department of Public Works of which USD 1.3 Trillion, will be used for the construction of roads and bridges, residential infrastructure development, development of water management and environmental health as well as the settlement of natural resource management and other activities on the field of Public Works.
Allocation of funds National Police will be used mostly for police operations throughout the province of Papua. Department of Health Allocation of funds for other than operational expenditure will also be used for the construction of Jayapura Office of Health Polytechnic of Rp 17.5 billion.
As for the Papua province in the fiscal year 2010 funding was obtained allocations that make up the bulk of the Papua Provincial structure as follows: DAU Rp 11.119 trillion with the details of the Papua Province DAU USD 1.148 trillion and DAU County / City of Rp 9.971 trillion. Then Papua Province DAK Rp 1.5 trillion, with details of the Papua Province DAK Rp 75 billion and DAK County / City of Rp 1.453 trillion. Next fund Otsus Rp. 3.49 trillion, which consists of funds from 2 percent of national DAU Rp. 2.69 trillion, and Rp infrastructure funds. 0.8 trillion. Thus, the total of all funds derived from the state budget allocated for the Province of Papua in the Fiscal Year 2010 is Rp. 21.89 trillion.
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Delivery of DIPA has a symbolic meaning that is very important, namely that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono wants the continuity of development which took place without a break, without stopping, in Papua Province. For that there is no reason to delay implementation of the budget in the form of development activities that have been planned in accordance with the stages according to the applicable government regulations, seriously guided by the principles of budget management is accountable, results-oriented, professional, proportionate , and open / transparent. In his speech President Yudhoyono asked the seriousness of all parties to not accumulate disbursements at year-end budget, but disseminate it more proportional to each quarter. That means that the implementation of the budget must be started early in 2010 so that the role of government budget as a stimulus to the economy actually improved efektifivitasnya.
The entire state budget funds in 2010 amounted to USD 1047.6 Trillion consisting of, the central government budget of Rp 725.2 trillion, and transfers to regional budgets amounted to Rp 322.4 Trillion
Of total central government budget, allocated to them, spending Employees Rp 160.3 trillion, spending Rp 107.0 T goods, capital expenditure Rp 82.1 trillion, social assistance and Rp 64.2 trillion debt interest spending, subsidies and spending Other-Other amounted to Rp 30.7 trillion.
Then the total budget allocation of funds for Papua Province, managed by government agencies is central to Rp 5.78 trillion, with the details, shopping Employees Rp 1.60 trillion, spending Rp 1.29 trillion of goods, capital expenditure Rp 1.95 Trillion , and social assistance Trilyun.Lembaga USD $ 0.92 this year the government allocated a large enough budget is the national education department Rp 0.54 trillion, the department of defense Rp 0.61 trillion, the Ministry of Public Works USD 1.44 Trillion, National Police Rp 0.63 trillion, the Ministry of Health amounted to Rp 0.07 trillion, and the Department of Transportation is Rp 0.65 trillion.
National Education Fund Allocation of them will be used for Social Assistance Institute of Education, Office of Education, Youth and Sports of Papua province to Rp 360.5 billion. Allocation of Department of Public Works of which USD 1.3 Trillion, will be used for the construction of roads and bridges, residential infrastructure development, development of water management and environmental health as well as the settlement of natural resource management and other activities on the field of Public Works.
Allocation of funds National Police will be used mostly for police operations throughout the province of Papua. Department of Health Allocation of funds for other than operational expenditure will also be used for the construction of Jayapura Office of Health Polytechnic of Rp 17.5 billion.
As for the Papua province in the fiscal year 2010 funding was obtained allocations that make up the bulk of the Papua Provincial structure as follows: DAU Rp 11.119 trillion with the details of the Papua Province DAU USD 1.148 trillion and DAU County / City of Rp 9.971 trillion. Then Papua Province DAK Rp 1.5 trillion, with details of the Papua Province DAK Rp 75 billion and DAK County / City of Rp 1.453 trillion. Next fund Otsus Rp. 3.49 trillion, which consists of funds from 2 percent of national DAU Rp. 2.69 trillion, and Rp infrastructure funds. 0.8 trillion. Thus, the total of all funds derived from the state budget allocated for the Province of Papua in the Fiscal Year 2010 is Rp. 21.89 trillion.
Read More..
Sabtu, 02 Januari 2010
Jakarta-Papua talk still possible
Neles Tebay,
Despite the killing of Kelly Kwalik by Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police on Dec.16, 2009, at Timika, the capital of Mimika regeny, Papua, the Indonesian government under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Pa-puans have not yet shut down the window for dialogue.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is important for both parties to jointly reach a peaceful and negotiated solution to the Papua conflict. From the Papuans side, they have already demonstrated their commitment and willingness for a peaceful dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
The world has witnessed that during and after the Kwalik's burial in Timika town, Papuans were able to calm themselves. They did not retaliate against the police. There was no atrocity initiated by the Papuans. The Papuans have rejected violent approaches, such as killing, for it will never settle the conflict. They have already chosen dialogue as a civilized way to reach a dignified solution to the Papua conflict.
The Papuans publicly announced they wanted to settle the Papua conflict through a civilized way, through a neutral third party, which will mediate the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua. Kwalik's assassination has even renewed and strengthened their commitment to dialogue, as clearly communicated in the speech of the chairperson of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP).
It is the belief of the Papuans that the Indonesian authority will not keep repeating its violent approach and therefore choose a civilized way, such as dialogue, to settle the Papua conflict. This belief is based on the fact that the government under the leadership of Yudhoyono has successfully settled the government's armed conflict with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), through a third party-mediated dialogue with the signing of Helsinki Agreement in August 2005.
Yudhoyono has been reelected for the second term of his presidency. Yudhoyono's reelection gives hope that the government under his leadership will handle the Papua conflict through dialogue with the Papuans, as was done in Aceh.
During his first term, Yudhoyono made several public statements announcing the government's commitment to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue.
However, the promised dialogue has not taken place. The Papuans understood well that the President was not able to initiate a dialogue with them because his political party, the Democratic Party, was new and small. Yudhoyono might have been reluctant to settle the Papuan conflict through dialogue because his political support in the House of Representatives was weak and his attention was focused on the implementation of the Helsinki Agreement in Aceh.
For the second term of his presidency, Yudhoyono has very strong political backing in the House. His political party won the April legislative elections and his party has formed coalition with some other big and influential parties. Therefore, there is less possibility for him to face resistance in the House.
Yudhoyono, at the same time as being the head of state and government, is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Indonesian army.
It is in the second term of his presidency, then, that it seems proper for him to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue as all of the country's power now at his disposal.
Yudhoyono's initiative for the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly be supported by the House, the government, and the Indonesian Military (TNI).
That's why the Papuans see that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is still possible, particularly during Yudhoyono's presidency.
Once the Jakarta-based government engages in dialogue with the Papuans, and the Papua conflict is settled without bloodshed, then this peaceful settlement to the conflict would be the Yudhoyono's legacy.
The history of Indonesia will record and tell that he was the only Indonesian president who was able to settle peacefully and permanently, the Papua conflict through dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
Not like in Aceh, where former vice president Jusuf Kalla was also involved, the peaceful settlement to the Papua conflict is and will be the Yudhoyono's work. It will be recognized his own idea.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will really be considered as a manifestation of the Yudhoyono's genuineness and personal initiative.
As a result, he will be recognized internationally as a man of peace. It may even win him a Nobel Peace Price in the years to come.
It is needless to say that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly bring about a good reputation for the country of Indonesia before the eyes of international community. Therefore there is still hope and possibility for the present government to take the initiative for dialogue to settle the Papua conflict.
The writer is a lecturer at the Fajar Timur school of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Papua. Read More..
Despite the killing of Kelly Kwalik by Indonesian Mobile Brigade Police on Dec.16, 2009, at Timika, the capital of Mimika regeny, Papua, the Indonesian government under the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and the Pa-puans have not yet shut down the window for dialogue.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is important for both parties to jointly reach a peaceful and negotiated solution to the Papua conflict. From the Papuans side, they have already demonstrated their commitment and willingness for a peaceful dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
The world has witnessed that during and after the Kwalik's burial in Timika town, Papuans were able to calm themselves. They did not retaliate against the police. There was no atrocity initiated by the Papuans. The Papuans have rejected violent approaches, such as killing, for it will never settle the conflict. They have already chosen dialogue as a civilized way to reach a dignified solution to the Papua conflict.
The Papuans publicly announced they wanted to settle the Papua conflict through a civilized way, through a neutral third party, which will mediate the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua. Kwalik's assassination has even renewed and strengthened their commitment to dialogue, as clearly communicated in the speech of the chairperson of the Papuan Customary Council (DAP).
It is the belief of the Papuans that the Indonesian authority will not keep repeating its violent approach and therefore choose a civilized way, such as dialogue, to settle the Papua conflict. This belief is based on the fact that the government under the leadership of Yudhoyono has successfully settled the government's armed conflict with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), through a third party-mediated dialogue with the signing of Helsinki Agreement in August 2005.
Yudhoyono has been reelected for the second term of his presidency. Yudhoyono's reelection gives hope that the government under his leadership will handle the Papua conflict through dialogue with the Papuans, as was done in Aceh.
During his first term, Yudhoyono made several public statements announcing the government's commitment to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue.
However, the promised dialogue has not taken place. The Papuans understood well that the President was not able to initiate a dialogue with them because his political party, the Democratic Party, was new and small. Yudhoyono might have been reluctant to settle the Papuan conflict through dialogue because his political support in the House of Representatives was weak and his attention was focused on the implementation of the Helsinki Agreement in Aceh.
For the second term of his presidency, Yudhoyono has very strong political backing in the House. His political party won the April legislative elections and his party has formed coalition with some other big and influential parties. Therefore, there is less possibility for him to face resistance in the House.
Yudhoyono, at the same time as being the head of state and government, is also the Commander-In-Chief of the Indonesian army.
It is in the second term of his presidency, then, that it seems proper for him to settle the Papua conflict through dialogue as all of the country's power now at his disposal.
Yudhoyono's initiative for the dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly be supported by the House, the government, and the Indonesian Military (TNI).
That's why the Papuans see that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua is still possible, particularly during Yudhoyono's presidency.
Once the Jakarta-based government engages in dialogue with the Papuans, and the Papua conflict is settled without bloodshed, then this peaceful settlement to the conflict would be the Yudhoyono's legacy.
The history of Indonesia will record and tell that he was the only Indonesian president who was able to settle peacefully and permanently, the Papua conflict through dialogue between Jakarta and Papua.
Not like in Aceh, where former vice president Jusuf Kalla was also involved, the peaceful settlement to the Papua conflict is and will be the Yudhoyono's work. It will be recognized his own idea.
A dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will really be considered as a manifestation of the Yudhoyono's genuineness and personal initiative.
As a result, he will be recognized internationally as a man of peace. It may even win him a Nobel Peace Price in the years to come.
It is needless to say that dialogue between Jakarta and Papua will certainly bring about a good reputation for the country of Indonesia before the eyes of international community. Therefore there is still hope and possibility for the present government to take the initiative for dialogue to settle the Papua conflict.
The writer is a lecturer at the Fajar Timur school of Philosophy and Theology in Abepura, Papua. Read More..
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