Western Papua has become like “a pebble in the
shoe” for Indonesia, as former Foreign Minister Ali Alatas put it when he
referred to East Timor’s struggle for independence from Indonesia back in the
day. While Jakarta is trying to play down the problems in Papua, they do exist.
It may seem like a minor nuisance but it continuously hurts
Several countries and international civil society groups
regularly express their support for Papuan independence, accusing Indonesia of
human rights violations. The pledge of the Pacific countries (minus Vanuatu) in
the Melanesian Spearhead Group to support Indonesia’s territorial integrity,
including western Papua, should therefore be seen as a diplomatic victory for
Indonesia.
Using diplomacy instead of threats and bullying tactics,
Indonesia seems to have been able to convince the group of the huge benefits
that come with good relations with Southeast Asia’s biggest economy.
But international support can’t change the fact that,
despite its abundant natural resources, Papua is one of the country’s poorest
regions. Also, Jakarta still maintains a massive military presence in the
region and implements a tight screening process for foreigners wishing to visit
there.
The Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) should closely
monitor the allocation of Papuan autonomy funds, because it’s not really a mystery
how it is possible that, despite its special status and trillions of rupiah
allocated to the area every year, most Papuans are living in poverty.
Also, it is time to treat Papua as a normal region by
opening the area to all visitors. The police have already proven they can deal
with terrorist groups much more dangerous than the largely unorganized
separatists operating in Papua.
Security should not be a problem. It’s time to throw out the
pebble.
Jakarta Globe editorial
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