Human Rights Minister urges Central Papua Forkopimda to maintain peace ahead of Independence Day

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has urged the Central Papua Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) to maintain security and peace so that the public can commemorate the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence with joy.

Speaking in Nabire on Sunday, Pigai said the dialogue with Forkopimda served as a moment to exchange information on development progress as well as the security and public order situation in Central Papua.

“The aim is to create peace and a safe atmosphere ahead of 17 August, so that we can all be cheerful and happy,” he said.

The dialogue was attended by Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa, Deputy Governor Deinas Geley, members of the Central Papua Provincial Legislative Council (DPR), the Papuan People’s Assembly, the police, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the prosecutor’s office, and intelligence elements.

According to Pigai, communication among stakeholders is necessary to obtain information on various developments in Central Papua while keeping the region conducive.

He said a peaceful and safe atmosphere is needed so that the public can comfortably take part in the series of events marking the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence.

The dialogue took place amid efforts by the regional government and security forces to maintain stability in Central Papua following the unrest in Ilaga, Puncak Regency, on Tuesday (11/8).

The unrest resulted in 18 government offices being burned, damaged or looted following a dispute over the disbursement of the first phase of Village Funds for the 2026 fiscal year.

The Central Papua Provincial Government, together with the Puncak Regency Government, has prepared measures to restore public services, including an inventory of the damage and the provision of temporary workspaces for government services.

In addition to the dialogue with Forkopimda, Pigai is scheduled to attend the 81st Anniversary of Indonesian Independence ceremony in Central Papua on Monday (17/8).

The presence of the Human Rights Minister in Central Papua is also part of central and regional government coordination in promoting the respect, protection and fulfilment of human rights in line with the implementation of regional development.