DPD RI Pushes for Comprehensive Solutions to Achieve Peace in Papua

The Deputy Speaker of the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI) and Chair of the Special Committee on Conflict and Humanitarian Affairs in Papua, Yorrys Raweyai, has stressed that the recent spate of violence in Tanah Papua must no longer be viewed as a recurring incident without resolution. He described the situation as a warning for all stakeholders to take immediate, concrete action.

The statement was made during a press conference following a plenary meeting of the Special Committee at the DPD RI Building. He highlighted the surge in violence in recent days, including the death of an American pilot in Yahukimo and the deaths of several indigenous Papuans in Intan Jaya while carrying out their daily activities.

"We view every life lost in Tanah Papua as a humanitarian tragedy. The recurring violence must not be considered normal. The state must be present to ensure that the Papuan people can live safely, with dignity, and free from fear. Papua needs peace, so the violence must be stopped," he said in a written statement on Monday (6/7/2026).

According to him, the security conditions in Papua have affected the public’s sense of safety in carrying out their daily lives. Therefore, resolving the issues in Papua cannot rely solely on a security approach but also requires policies that address the root causes through dialogue, the protection of people’s rights, and equitable development.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair I of the Special Committee, Filep Wamafma, explained that the committee’s formation aims to carry out its institutional function of overseeing various strategic issues in Papua, particularly those related to humanitarian aspects. The committee will gather information, absorb public aspirations, and formulate recommendations as input for the government.

"We are not here to find who is most right or most wrong. We are here to ensure that the voices of the Papuan people are heard and become an important part of developing a comprehensive solution. The problems in Papua do not stand alone but are an accumulation of various issues that require a thorough resolution," he said.

Senator for Central Papua and member of the Special Committee, Eka Kristina Yeimo, added that the committee’s attention will be directed towards efforts to create a sense of security for all people regardless of their background. According to her, all forms of violence involving security forces, armed groups, or civilian elements must be investigated fairly according to legal provisions so that public trust in the state is maintained.

"We invite all parties to stop all forms of violence. No interest can be justified if it must be paid for with the loss of human life. Papua needs space for dialogue, reconciliation, and cooperation from all parties to build sustainable peace," she said.

Concluding his statement, Yorrys invited the central government, local governments, traditional leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, and all stakeholders to strengthen synergy in building a peaceful and prosperous Papua. He expressed hope that the recommendations produced by the DPD RI Special Committee on Papua will make a real contribution to strengthening public protection while encouraging a comprehensive, just resolution to the issues in Papua based on humanitarian values.