Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost region, has long been a focal point of conflict, marked by a complex interplay of historical grievances, political aspirations, and socio-economic disparities. The Majelis Permusyawaratan Rakyat (MPR) of Indonesia has acknowledged these challenges and, in recent years, has proposed several recommendations aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict and fostering a sustainable peace.
Historical Context
The roots of the conflict in Papua can be traced back to the region’s integration into Indonesia in the 1960s. The implementation of Special Autonomy (Otsus) in 2001 was intended to provide the Papuan people with greater political and economic control. However, the perceived inadequacies of Otsus in addressing the aspirations of the indigenous Papuans have led to continued unrest and calls for reform.
Â
MPR’s Role and Recommendations
- Promotion of National Values
In 2021, MPR Vice Chairperson Lestari Moerdijat emphasized the importance of instilling national values in Papua to foster unity and collaboration among the Papuan people. She highlighted that various forms of violence in the region are not only disruptive but also threaten the existence of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
- Humanistic Approach to Conflict Resolution
MPR Chairman Bambang Soesatyo, in collaboration with the Indonesian National Army (TNI), advocated for a humanistic approach in addressing the conflict. This approach focuses on territorial operations rather than combat missions, aiming to create a peaceful atmosphere in Papua.
- Dialogue and Political Engagement
The MPR has consistently encouraged dialogue as a means to resolve the conflict. In 2021, Vice Chairman Lestari Moerdijat reiterated the need for dialogue to address the issues in Papua, emphasizing that understanding and cooperation are key to overcoming the challenges.
- Civil Society Perspectives
Civil society organizations have also weighed in on the conflict, advocating for non-military solutions. The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) and other organizations argue that military operations exacerbate the situation and call for a comprehensive approach that includes dialogue and respect for human rights.
Recommendations from the People’s Assembly (MRP)
In March 2024, the MRP from six provinces in Papua convened to discuss the political rights of indigenous Papuans. They recommended that the President issue a Presidential Regulation (Perppu) ensuring that candidates for regional leadership positions in Papua are indigenous Papuans. This recommendation aims to strengthen local governance and ensure that the aspirations of the indigenous population are adequately represented.
The Role of the Government
The Indonesian government has recognized the need for a welfare-based approach to address the issues in Papua. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Mahfud MD stated that the government plans to integrate development programs across various ministries to improve the welfare of the Papuan people, thereby addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Conclusion
The conflict in Papua is a multifaceted issue that requires a nuanced and inclusive approach. The MPR’s recommendations, emphasizing national values, humanistic approaches, dialogue, and political inclusivity, provide a comprehensive framework for addressing the conflict. However, the successful implementation of these recommendations hinges on the commitment of all stakeholders, including the government, military, civil society, and the indigenous Papuan community, to work collaboratively towards a peaceful and prosperous Papua.
