No secret in West Papua

Thanks to the press in Indonesia, now the world can see the transparency in West Papua. No more secret, and no more hidden agenda. Both hardliners, Free Papua Movement and Indonesian Military can not hide any of their actions from the world eyes.

Democracy offers two different perspectives for Indonesian citizens. At national level, the majority of Indonesia agrees to continue the secular state model and starts a new era of nations building by introducing regional autonomy, which is practically a federal model of Indonesia. Some small Islamic groups however see an opportunity to create theocratic state model by a simple argument of the fact that the majority are Muslim. At local level, the regional autonomy can be interpreted as decentralization process of government, but at the same times some provinces see an opportunity to create a new state by simple argument of the right of determining their own future. Rich provinces such as East Kalimantan, Riau, Bali, Papua, West Papua, Aceh are among provinces that has voice for independence.

We should think for the benefit of our people when we think about our future. Indonesia is an idea or image of a nation or state. Multiculturalism and anti discrimination is two principles that guarantee the equality of rights for all Indonesian citizen.

It is no secret that in the past there were many problems in West Papua but it is also no secret that so many improvement took place since 1998 in West Papua.

When I read about the debate on flying flag, I feel so sad that neither Free Papua Movement nor Indonesia securities try to solve it peacefully. In one side, Free Papua Movement are happy with any repression made by Indonesian military regarding the flying flag case, beacuse they can use it as a powerful weapon of human rights violation and political support from human right campaigner in the world. On the other side, Indonesian military are also happy because they have reasons legally to pressure Free Papua Movement and maintain tension so they can have large budget from the democratic government of Indonesia.

Civil society and civilian government of Indonesia should work very hard to free Papua and West Papua provinces from the hardliners perspectives. Neither Free Papua Movement leaders nor Military leaders are willing to sit together set their hawkish attitude aside and start to talk about the future of special autonomy in West Papua.

Once again, it is no secret that the world can see Papua and West Papua provinces on day by day basis.