Papua: No Discrimination Please

The wealth of natural resources as well as the wealth of culture and art in Papua is a source of pride for Indonesia, Papua is rich in natural resources that promise opportunities for trade and development. 

The vast land is full of forests, the sea and its diverse biota and millions of lands suitable for agriculture. Natural gas, oil and various minerals are also stored in the stomach of the earth, waiting to be explored. 

In addition to natural wealth, Papua also has many unique arts and cultures such as dances, dresses and even traditional houses which often attract the attention of tourists when they visit Papua.

There are still a very small number of Indonesians who label Papuans with negative stereotypes. As a result, Papuans face racial and ethnic discrimination that they cannot stand. The situation of the Papuan people has become a concern that cannot be ignored. So far we have heard a lot about the Papuan people considered "annoying", "less beautiful", or worse still during the riots that took place last year, to be precise the day before the celebration of the 74th independence from Indonesia, we were shocked by the siege of student dormitories in Papua Surabaya. 

The incident was preceded by a demonstration by a community organization that suspected Papuan students had ripped off the red and white flag, resulting in a Papuan man being called a "monkey". Some of the protesters shouted racist phrases which resulted in demonstrations in major cities of Papua and West Papua. They raised a debate that had been dormant, namely the issue of hidden racism among Indonesians.

The fact that this racism comes from our country is contrary to the ideology and identity of Indonesia which defends Bhineka Tunggal Ika. However, the topic I will cover here is not to describe the negative comments and behaviors experienced by the Papuan community by their compatriots. 

The unrest a year ago has caused many Indonesians to open their minds and hearts to our brothers in Papua. Starting with various speeches that defend the rights of the Papuan people as part of Indonesia so that racial and ethnic discrimination does not occur again. The prayer was also supported by various humanitarian organizations such as NGOs and other groups that came from various strata and groups of society.

Even people who do not take to the streets to give speeches are not silent, starting with netizens and artists who often spread messages of peace for our brothers and sisters in Papua through hashtags spread on various social media platforms, such as Instagram and Twitter. . . The hashtags #sayamonyet, #lawanrasism, #papuanlivesmatter and #papuauntuknkri are a form of support and empathy to combat racism and a form of hope that peace and justice will reach the people of Papua. The role of the government also played a part in handling the case. Earlier, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had also called on the public to forgive each other for the violent demonstrations in Manokwari and Sorong, West Papua. 

He also stressed that the government will uphold the honor of Indonesian citizens, including in the Papua and West Papua regions.

One of the concrete ways I experienced that tolerance towards Papuans was much improved, which was when I attended one of the student meetings in 2019 in Yogyakarta. At that time the Papuan students arrived and were very well received by other students from outside Papua. Your enormous efforts to come from the easternmost part of Indonesia to the island of Java and your enthusiasm for education are a personal inspiration to me. 

The cultural performances they perform are also the most anticipated agenda for students from various regions of Indonesia. This shows that the consciousness of the Indonesian people to fight racism for the brothers in Papua already exists and is quite large. 

In my opinion, if this awareness is carried out slowly and consistently, it is not impossible if we will be a more tolerant society and stop showing racism. Papua, or what is known as the Land of Cendrawasih, was part of Indonesia until his death. All Indonesians should have the right to be recognized and to feel safe in their country, indiscriminately.

Romario Watimena 

Papuan Observer