The Figure of Benny Wenda's Referendum Enthusiasm Again Confuses the Issues of Jokowi's Visit and the Mimika Murders

Negative sentiment towards President Jokowi's visit to Papua has re-emerged from one of the Separatist figures who is now living abroad, Benny Wenda. In an article posted on social media, he stated that President Jokowi's visit to Papua took place in the same week as the murder of five Papuans involving elements of the TNI. The visit of the Indonesian President was later described as an insult to the murdered Papuans. A logic that makes no sense just for the sake of throwing negative sentiments.

According to him, the deaths of five Papuans this week are only one drop in Indonesia's violent storm. Every month, we are forced to grieve more than our people. To President Widodo, he repeated the demands that the ULMWP had repeatedly made. Immediately withdraw the military and release all political prisoners, lift all restrictions on access to Papua for international media and NGOs. Then stop stealing resources through exploitative economic development. In his hope, the President must fulfill the right of Benny Wenda and his group to self-determination through an internationally monitored independence referendum. According to him a referendum is the only way to peace.

The series of narratives has a persuasive nature, inviting the surrounding circle and readers to think negatively and pessimistically about all actions and activities carried out by the Indonesian government in Papua. One thing we have to understand is that once again the common thread of a series of issues taking advantage of President Jokowi's visit is the demand for a referendum. A classic mode that was predictable from the start. For them, a referendum is an ideal condition for a region that is free to regulate its territory. In fact, for example, if this happens, many foreign countries will target the Papua region. The incident in East Timor should be a reflection that a referendum is not an absolute solution to the prosperity of a region.

Benny Wenda and the Baseless Referendum

So far, Benny Wenda has been aggressively calling for a referendum for Papua in various international forums. But the world is not interested, not in the Papua issue but in a baseless referendum. After all, Benny wasn't the first to voice it. There have been many previous figures who then resigned regularly due to conflict with the rules. The world knows that the Papuan referendum is not possible under international law. According to the professor of International Law at Diponegoro University, Edy Pratomo, based on international law, a referendum on self-determination can only be carried out in the context of colonialism, or related areas are included in the list of guardianship and non-self-governing territories released by the United Nations. Papua clearly cannot be included in the list because it is like putting a baby into its mother's womb again.

Not only Benny Wenda, a number of 'interesting' issues are often ridden by government opposition parties to get to the main mission, namely the referendum. Benny Wenda's case is just one that happens to be highlighted because of his position abroad. The declaration of the formation of a provisional government for West Papua was even considered a 'gimmick'. Benny Wenda's behavior was even protested by Goliath Tabuni and his subordinates who called him trapped in his own referendum lust. Meanwhile, the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs called Benny Wenda's actions classified as treason.

President Jokowi's 15th Visit to Papua Is Not a Celebration

Since the beginning of his tenure, President Jokowi's attention to an area, especially the Papua region, has been different from his predecessors. As of 15 times, the President has visited the easternmost region in Indonesia to ensure the acceleration of development through a number of policies that are currently being and will be launched.

The distribution of BBM Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) starting from the Eastern Indonesia region is clearly not just a celebration or has no meaning. The delivery of BLT BBM is carried out so that people's purchasing power is better, especially in the eastern region related to the acceleration of progress and welfare. Special Staff of the Minister of Social Affairs, Faozan Amar stated that social assistance (bansos) was provided by the government to help reduce public spending.

Meanwhile, with regard to the launch of the Papua Football Academy (PFA), President Jokowi is trying to pay special attention to the development of football talent from Papua. Papua and football are like two poles that cannot be separated. In fact, many national football stars have been born from Papua. All Indonesian people hope that Papuan talents are nurtured well, not only in their soccer playing skills but also their attitude and integrity.

Then, during a visit to Timika, President Jokowi and his entourage visited PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) which is located in Tembagapura District, Mimika Regency, Papua. On this occasion, the President launched 5G Mining technology at PTFI which is the result of a collaboration between PTFI and Telkomsel as well as being the first in Southeast Asia. In his speech, the President emphasized the importance of technological intervention to advance the mining sector in Indonesia, which is generally located in remote and difficult to reach areas as well as geographical challenges and difficult connectivity. The application of 5G Mining technology supports automation and remote control while increasing PT Freeport Indonesia's work safety and productivity. On this occasion, the President was also proud that 99% of the latest technology was manned by domestic human resources, especially Papuans. He is optimistic that PTFI will continue to produce quality human resources in the mining sector in the world and contribute greatly to the progress of the Indonesian mining industry.

Overseeing the Commitment to Investigation of the Murder Case in Mimika

In connection with the murder case in Mimika raised by Benny Wenda, it became an issue to criticize the President's visit to Papua. Until now, the Mimika Police continue to investigate cases involving members of the TNI and civilians. Two TNI personnel are being questioned, while one suspected civilian who fled is still being sought. Previously, as many as six members of the TNI AD had been designated as suspects, then detained for the next 20 days for examination and investigation.

The Mimika Police Satreskrim Team of the Papuan Regional Police also invited the National Police Commissioner and the Papuan Human Rights Commission to carry out the reconstruction. The involvement and presence of Kompolnas to ensure that the investigation and investigation process is in accordance with the mechanisms and expectations of the residents. The goal is to open this case openly. President Jokowi during his visit to Papua also responded by asking the TNI Commander to assist the police in investigating the case.

On the other hand, it departs from the involvement of the authorities in a number of cases. KontraS parties urged President Jokowi to stop the military approach to resolve the conflict in Papua. KontraS Coordinator, Fatia Maulidyanti, stated that the security approach proved unsuccessful in solving the problem and instead resulted in massive human rights violations. Meanwhile, LBH Jakarta considers that the actions in this case fall into the category of violation of the right to life. LBH Jakarta also urges that all suspects be processed and tried through a fair, free and impartial judicial process.

Neither party wants any acts of violence or murder to take place anywhere. President Jokowi's visit to Papua is not then considered not to be sorry for the existence of this case. There are many agendas and activities that the head of state wants to convey to his citizens in Papua. Again, Benny Wenda's statement is only based on rumors, even though he himself does not have any contribution to development in Papua. In his mind, the only thing that popped into his mind was a referendum which, if asked in detail, would certainly be confusing.

SOURCE: https://time.online/2022/09/04/10429/