Summary of Laurens Ikinia’s argument for a New Approach to Papua
laurens Ikinia argues that Indonesia needs a basic shift in its approach to Papua, moving away from a security-focused, exploitative paradigm towards one built on community sovereignty, benefit-sharing, and genuine partnership. he believes this is not only morally right but crucial for Indonesia’s long-term stability and national unity.
Here’s a breakdown of his key proposals:
* Strengthen Customary Land Rights (Hak Ulayat): Elevate hak ulayat to the supreme legal principle, recognizing indigenous land ownership as paramount.
* Fair Resource Benefit Sharing: Implement obvious and direct royalty-sharing mechanisms from natural resource projects, ensuring funds reach indigenous communities.
* Papuan-Led “Closing the Gap” Strategy: Develop a strategy with measurable targets for health, education, and employment, with annual reporting to the national parliament for accountability.
* Shift Security Approach: Prioritize dialogue, community engagement, and human security over militarization.
* Guaranteed Political Portrayal: Create constitutionally guaranteed seats in the indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) for indigenous Papuan representatives. he draws a parallel to the Aceh model.
* Embrace Pacific connections: Reframe Indonesia’s relationship with Pacific Island nations, viewing their solidarity with Papuans as an chance for cultural diplomacy through academic, cultural, and civil society exchanges.
Core Argument:
Ikinia emphasizes that the current approach treats Papuans as a “problem to be managed” rather than as equal partners. he argues that a just and prosperous Papua is not a threat to Indonesia, but rather the fulfillment of its founding ideals of “unity in diversity.” He stresses the importance of acknowledging historical grievances and allowing Papuans to be “active architects of their future.”
Concluding Thoughts:
He concludes with a hopeful outlook, pointing to the dedication of Papuan people and the growing recognition within Jakarta of the need for change. He draws parallels to Australia and New Zealand’s journeys towards reconciliation and highlights Indonesia’s success in Aceh as a model for peaceful resolution. Ultimately, he calls for the courage to act and choose a different reflection in the “mirror from the Pacific.”
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