Civilian Protection in Papua Requires Research and Local Collaboration
The protection of civilians in Papua requires a more systematic and sustainable approach, according to a policy expert. Beyond responding to issues as they arise, efforts to protect communities must be supported by strong research and collaboration among local actors to ensure solutions are targeted and have a long-term impact. This view was expressed by Charles Kossay, Executive Secretary of Merah Pusaka Stratejik Indonesia (MPSI), during a Workshop on Strengthening Advocacy Research and Local Actor Network Development in Central Papua on Thursday (25/6).
According to Charles, the various social dynamics unfolding in Papua demand local actors who are not only concerned about the community but also possess the ability to conduct research, document field facts, build public communication, and develop cross-sector collaboration networks. “Civilian protection cannot rely solely on spontaneous responses every time a problem arises. Systematic research work is needed so that every issue can be fully understood, and the solutions offered genuinely address the community’s needs,” said Charles.
He explained that advocacy research plays a crucial role in providing credible data and facts as a basis for formulating policy recommendations and community protection measures. With this approach, the advocacy process does not stop at conveying aspirations or demands but is capable of producing measurable change. Charles believes Papua needs more local actors who can serve as bridges between the community, government, media, educational institutions, and various other stakeholders. He noted that students, youth leaders, academics, traditional leaders, journalists, and civil society organisations are the parties who best understand the social conditions at the grassroots level. Therefore, their capacity must be continuously strengthened so they can conduct data-based, objective, and responsible advocacy.
“Students, youth leaders, academics, traditional leaders, journalists, and civil society communities are the frontliners who best understand the social conditions on the ground. Therefore, their capacity needs to be continuously strengthened so they can carry out data-based, objective, and responsible advocacy,” he added. He explained that the challenges of protecting civilians in Papua are becoming increasingly complex along with the development of information flows and social dynamics in various regions. In such a situation, the ability to map issues, identify stakeholders, read risks, and verify information is becoming increasingly important.
Charles assessed that many community problems have not been adequately documented, resulting in the voices of citizens often not being fully conveyed to policymakers. Therefore, advocacy research is needed to transform field facts into accountable recommendations. Furthermore, he stressed that civilian protection cannot be done partially. A strong network of local actors capable of working collaboratively in responding to various social and humanitarian issues is required. According to Charles, synergy between students, youth, traditional leaders, academics, journalists, and civil society organisations can strengthen early warning systems, accelerate information exchange, and open constructive dialogue spaces in resolving community issues.
“When local actors have a strong network, the response to community problems will be faster, more measurable, and fact-based. This kind of collaboration is what is needed to strengthen civilian protection while maintaining democratic space in Papua,” he said. In addition, Charles reminded of the importance of prioritising non-litigation advocacy approaches through dialogue, mediation, public communication, and policy lobbying conducted peacefully and with respect for the socio-cultural context of the Papuan people. According to him, effective advocacy must be able to present solutions and prioritise data accuracy, ethics, and social responsibility so as not to trigger misunderstandings or conflict escalation within the community.
The workshop was attended by around 40 participants from various backgrounds, including students, youth leaders, democracy activists, teachers and lecturers, traditional leaders, local media journalists, and civil society communities. Through this activity, MPSI hopes to foster a network of local actors who can work professionally, based on data, and sustainably in overseeing various community issues and supporting development in Papua. “Papua needs local actors who can turn concern into real work based on knowledge and collaboration. From here, strong and sustainable civilian protection can be built to address various development issues,” Charles concluded.