Human Rights Minister Pigai: Papuans May Demand Anything Except Independence
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has stressed that the people of Papua may demand welfare, justice and their rights, but not independence from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
According to him, expressing aspirations and fighting for various community issues remains permissible as long as it is done through means that comply with the law and the constitution.
“What is not allowed is to declare ‘We want independence, separate from Indonesia.’ That is not allowed. Everything else is allowed, no problem. As long as it is done in the right way, defending people, the law protects, and the legal basis is clear,” Pigai said during a working visit to the Central Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Nabire on Monday (17/8), as quoted by Antara.
Pigai said that demands for the people of Papua to obtain a prosperous, just, wealthy and healthy life are in fact part of implementing the constitutional mandate that must be fought for.
Therefore, the public need not be afraid to raise issues of injustice as long as they have a legal basis and are pursued through legitimate mechanisms.
“But if you ask for the people of Papua to be prosperous, just, wealthy, healthy and secure, you are actually carrying out the mandate of the 1945 Constitution. That must be fought for in word and deed. Never be afraid to speak out about injustice,” he said.
Pigai encouraged the public and legislative members in Central Papua to prioritise evidence-based advocacy by gathering facts, data, information and documentation about the problems experienced by the community.
According to him, complaints accompanied by evidence can be processed through legal mechanisms until they produce binding court decisions.
“I am saying this because I am in a conflict area. If I were in the provincial capital, I would not possibly know the details. The aim is to help protect the community and provide justice to the people,” he said.
Pigai also assessed that strengthening access to justice needs to be done by bringing law enforcement institutions closer to communities in conflict areas.
Pigai said he had received proposals to establish a prosecutor’s office to serve the Paniai area and its surroundings as well as Puncak Jaya, Mulia and the surrounding areas.
However, according to him, the presence of prosecutors, police and courts must be balanced with the strength of civil society and advocates who can accompany residents in fighting for their rights.
“The question is, there will certainly be judges, there will certainly be prosecutors, there will certainly be police. Now, who is the defender for the community? Who is the lawyer? Who advocates for them?” he said.
Pigai stressed that strengthening community advocacy is not an act that opposes the state as long as it is carried out based on the law. He instead encouraged the emergence of more defenders of justice, truth and humanity in Papua.
“As long as we have a voice, at least we dare to express it. Keep bringing forth defenders of justice, truth and humanity in Papua. If each side competes to bring forth defenders of humanity, then a sun of justice will rise starting from Central Papua,” he said.