Jakarta Globe, Roberth I. Vanwi, Aug 12, 2015
Jayapura.
Celebrations of Indonesia’s 70 years of independence this year reflect
Indonesian patriotism across the country as much as Papuans’ love for it, a
senior Papuan community said on Wednesday, stressing that Papuans, too, are
Indonesians.
“Have you
noticed that people in Papua do respond positively to the government’s urging
to raise the Indonesian flag and other Independence Day paraphernalia?” George
Awi told the Jakarta Globe.
“This tells
us Papuans share the outlook of a common archipelago with other Indonesians.
But the government needs to continue developing this land, regardless of the
obstacles. Indonesia also needs to prove it loves Papua.”
A dearth of
mutual confidence is at the heart of the festering issues in Papua, George
said. Only recently, he added, have Papuans started seeing Papuan faces in
government offices and in other undertakings. All this was despite the
insistence in Jakarta that Papua was, and continues to be, an integral part of
Indonesia.
“But
opportunities are now open to those who can compete; we now have a Papuan at
the head of the provincial police. The government deems us trustworthy so we
need to repay this by keeping Papua safe and peaceful,” George said.
“Don’t
underestimate the Indonesianness of Papuans,” George added. But what of those
who demand independence? “That’s the task of the government and our collective
responsibility to ensure they, too, enjoy the results of an advancing Papua.”
“This
country loves Papua; that much is clear. We now have the Special Autonomy Law;
President Joko [Widodo] visited us three times in one year. That capable
Papuans can now move Papua forward is not just hot air.”
Meanwhile,
the Papuan provincial government will take a “sensible but lively” approach to
the 70th anniversary of Indonesian independence.
Elia I.
Loupatty, assistant for development and people’s welfare at Papua’s provincial
secretariat and head of preparations for Independence Day, said, as
entertainment for the locals in Jayapura traditional games will be organized as
well as a marathon and an arts, sports and culture competition.
“We are
mindful of the traffic and other logistical challenges so we will focus most
activities at the Kusuma Trikora Military Cemetery for a public commemoration
ceremony and at the Mandala-Jayapura Stadium for the flag-raising ceremony,”
Elia added.
Representatives
from Papua New Guinea and other neighboring countries will attend the
ceremonies in Papua, similar to previous years. “They will arrive on Aug. 15 or
16, and we look forward to welcoming them as they are our close neighbors,”
Elia said.
Indonesia
celebrates its independence from Dutch colonial rule on Aug. 17.
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