Not Understanding Development Policy, KNPB Spokesperson Accuses Otsus and DOB of Colonialism Practices

After several acts of harassment and cruel acts that resulted in the loss of life from civilians, the modus operandi to elevate existence by the separatist group was again carried out. This time through a long note on the Facebook social media account on behalf of the Spokesperson for the West Papua National Committee (KNPB), Ones Suhunyiap.

In the note, he provocatively stated that the policy of Special Autonomy (Otsus) and the Expansion of New Autonomous Regions (DOB) was a practice of Indonesian colonialism in West Papua. It is explained at length starting from the history of colonialism, the tendency of colonialism in several countries, various types of colonialism, to the goals of colonialism. Unfortunately, from this series of sentences, there is no specific mention of the correlation between the Otsus and the new autonomous regions policies with colonialism in Indonesia. At the end of the note, it only states that for almost 60 years, Indonesia has only wanted to maintain its existence and is now implementing the Otsus policy and ratifying the new autonomous region law.

Based on the article, it seems that the author is unable to show the tendency of colonialism that has occurred in Indonesia as alleged, especially with regard to the Otsus and new autonomous regions policies. At length the article only explains the general definition of colonialism, without being able to elaborate in detail in the context of what is happening in Papua.

Papua is Legally Part of Indonesia

To examine the article, it is necessary to describe it partially. Starting from the passage of time, Papua was the youngest province to join Indonesia in 1969. Papuans officially became Indonesian citizens after the Pepera (People's Opinion Determination) was held where the majority wanted to join Indonesia rather than the Netherlands. If the note further explains the definition of colonialism, it is also important to explain the ins and outs of an organization like the OPM in Papua that insists on independence. Some of the reasons include, First, they do not believe in the results of the Act of Free Choice, because they are consumed by the provocations of certain parties who want to control Papua. Second, they feel that Papua is being colonized by Indonesia. Even though the people of Bumi Cendrawasih have voluntarily joined as Indonesian citizens, they do not feel colonized by the central government.

To strengthen this, the son of the Papuan figure Dortheys Eulay (late), Ondo Yanto Eulay once told the chronology of the Act. Where after the results are out, they are immediately submitted to the Secretary General of the United Nations, and then approved by the United Nations Council. That way, Papua is legally part of Indonesia. In the context of international law, all former Dutch colonies in the archipelago became part of Indonesia. So when there are parties who challenge the independence of Papua, then it is the same as opposing international law and also the UN Council.

Then examine the second, how can the Papuan Separatist and Terrorist Group (KST) or OPM think that Papua was colonized by Indonesia so that they want to establish the Federal Republic of West Papua. Logically, if Papua was colonized, there would be no magnificent infrastructure such as the Youtefa Bridge, Trans Papua Road, or sea toll roads that would help residents obtain basic necessities more easily. But do not expect that logic to appear in the movement of the group. They even seem to have lost their minds by accusing them arbitrarily just to show their existence in a cornered condition of their space after the ratification of the new autonomous region law.

A little flashback, that one of the triggers for the emergence of the drama of Papuan independence happened again when some time ago a separatist figure, Benny Wenda, declared Papuan independence. Even though at that time his position was in London, so he had no legal basis. In addition, the OPM actually issued a motion of no confidence in Wenda's claim as the interim President of the ULMWP. A paradox between the two sides fighting for pseudo power. Please note that Benny Wenda has lost his Indonesian citizenship status and is currently a British citizen. So that unilateral claims are definitely invalid in the eyes of international law.

The existence of feuds between separatist groups increasingly shows that their existence is easily divided. The Papuan people should not care about the uproar they have created for themselves, because in fact many people love the country of Indonesia. The Papuan people understand that they have always been part of Indonesia. During the youth oath ceremony, there were two representatives from Jong Papua who came all the way to Java to attend the event. So that since 1928 Papuan youths have actually expressed their desire to join Indonesia.

Nothing can destroy the integrity of Papua, even though separatist groups continue to wage guerrillas. They can claim independence, it's just not legal in the eyes of international law. In fact, it is a shameful act because it shows a mere lust for power. Papua is legally part of Indonesia, both under national and international law. Don't mention anything about Papuan independence. Because most of the people who trigger the issue are foreigners. Meanwhile, civilians on Earth of Cendrawasih do not want to be separated from Indonesia.

Special Autonomy Policy and New New Guinea Expansion Promote Papuan People's Welfare

The accusations made by the KNPB spokesman against the two major government policies towards the Papuan people became an anomaly for efforts to accelerate the development of the region. The interest with horse glasses to escape from the Indonesian state is actually detrimental to the Papuan people themselves. Although not significant, the various resistances from separatist groups towards all Papuan policies have attracted the attention of the government and security forces to watch out for.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri), John Wempi Wetipo during his visit in Papua said that the formation of the new autonomous regions of the Papua Mountains Province could promote welfare for the community. The government continues to strive to prepare the formation of the new autonomous regions carefully so that the welfare of the Papuan people will be raised. Therefore, his party invites various elements of society and leaders in Papua Mountains to welcome the formation of new autonomous regions properly. The existence of the new autonomous regions is a golden opportunity for generations in Papua Mountains to be able to obtain better welfare.

Meanwhile, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin requested that the implementation process for the establishment of three new provinces in Papua be accelerated. All relevant agencies need to coordinate to formulate and implement comprehensive steps to create conducive security in Papua, as well as formulate an appropriate security operation scheme for Papua, namely operations that are humanist, dynamic, anticipatory, and simultaneous, with a territorial approach and still pay attention to enforcement. law. He also asked for the proper use of Papua's special autonomy funds so that development in Papua and West Papua can be carried out effectively.

A number of these beliefs contradict the provocative narrative through the various definitions of colonialism used by the KNPB spokesman to influence the community. Obviously, this will not be heard and will only be a passing wind.

SOURCE: https://time.online/2022/07/29/9171/