DPD RI Leadership Meets Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security to Discuss Rejection of National Strategic Projects in Papua and TNI Presence

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Leaders of the DPD RI met with the Coordinating Minister for Politics and Security (Menko Polkam), General TNI (Ret.) Djamari Chaniago, at the Kemenkopolkam Building in Jakarta on Wednesday (13/5/2026) to discuss Papua-related issues.

The Chairman of DPD RI Committee III, Filep Wamafma, stated that the meeting addressed the resolution of conflicts in Papua and spotlighted the growing rejection by communities in South Papua of the National Strategic Project (PSN).

“We conveyed that communities, both indigenous peoples and various societal elements in Papua, strongly oppose the socio-political phenomena related to PSN from environmental aspects as well as comfort and the sustainability of indigenous livelihoods, viewed as risky to the communities,” Filep told Kompas.com on Wednesday (13/5/2026).

According to him, the military presence in Papua actually instils fear among the populace.

“This represents aspirations from the communities requesting efforts to make Papua a peace zone, but the military presence causes fear among civilians,” he said.

Filep also expressed concern over the numerous casualties resulting from the conflict in Papua. Several victims are healthcare workers, young children, and pregnant women.

He hopes for special attention from the President to resolve Papua’s issues from the perspective of security disturbances and armed conflicts.

“Because today, civilians are becoming victims, as are TNI and Polri personnel; all parties feel victimised with many impacts. Therefore, we request a roadmap from the President to be presented transparently at the DPD RI strategic level as an important partner to participate in resolving the protracted conflict in Papua,” he stated.

Several DPD RI members present at the meeting included Deputy Chairman of the DPD Yorrys Raweyai, Chairman of Committee III DPD Filep Wamafma, Member of DPD from the Central Papua Electoral District Lis Tabuni, and Member of DPD from the East Kalimantan Electoral District Andi Sofyan Hasdam.