Can further blood shed be avoided in West Papua? This is a critical question. The 1st December marks a significant occasion in the Papuan struggle. Independence for Papua is on the lips of many and people will speak out.
The Indonesian Government is intransient here. Indeed, the issue is “non negotiable” according to the authorities in Jakarta. This creates an ugly scenario. Ongoing violence seems inevitable. Papuans want to demonstrate their aspirations and many are doing so with increasing frustration. The Indonesian military machine will hit back hard.
The churches in West Papua are deeply concerned here. The Evangelical Christian Church in the Land of Papua got together recently to disucss urgent matters. A statement was issued on 30th October and it was directed to the Government of Indonesia.
This statement affirms West Papua as one land that cannot be divided. Sadly, the will of the Papuan people has not been observed here. Authorities have already created two provinces in the region. They have effectively divided West Papua on an adimistrative basis. Despite this development, the church will work hard to keep Papuans together. The church will serve in a way that offers Papuans an effective, united voice.
The church statement then raises concerns about the exploitation of the environment and the impact of mining on local communities. Importantly, the statement goes on to address the militarisation of West Papua and the repressive impact this continues to have on people. Here, the Synod requests the “demilitarisation” of West Papua and the handing over of all security responsiblities to the police. In other words,the church says its time for the military to leave West Papua!
Political prisoners are being held in West Papua and the church is calling for an amnesty for all these prisoners in the region and across the Indonesian archipelago. The right to free speech is embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Indonesia must take note.
On 19th October the Third Papuan National Congress took place in Jayapura and this produced a strong statement concerning West Papua’s future. The church is very aware of the aspirations embodied in the congress and it believes voices must be heard. Special Autonomy for West Papua has been declared a failure by all sections of the Papuan community, including the churches. Issues concerning the right to self-determination are now seen as a way forward.
The next step involves peaceful dialogue with Jakarta. This is being urgently sought by the churches and many Papuan organisations. Dialogue means people come together with open minds and with a willingness to listen and to speak. Mutual respect and a commitment to valuing the other are core ingredients here.
A way forward in West Papua must be established. People cannot wait for much longer. The church along with the Papuan community is ready to dialogue.
Will Jakarta come to the table? For sake of many, let’s hope so.
