No signs of decent development
No signs of decent development
I read the article in The Jakarta Post of Oct. 18, 2000 titled
W. Papua: A self-fulfilling prophecy.
I have recently returned from a visit to West Papua's Baliem
valley -- of which Wamena is the central town. On the last day of
our trekking there, we were surprised when our Kijang had to
detour via a police check. The police were checking driving
licenses.
Very early the next day more troops arrived -- judging by the
noise of low-flying aircraft. Our flight was booked that day and
we flew out without mishap.
No West Papuans I spoke to know that raising their flag was
against the law. On the contrary, they were merely proud that
they had been recognized. Most West Papuans are realistic: they
recognize that they are part of Indonesia and that it would be
virtually impossible to become independent. However, they do want
to have a fair deal.
West Papuans are not antimigrants. I got the distinct
impression that West Papuans in Wamena are, in fact, normally
extremely tolerant. Torture used on West Papuans in the past has
reputedly included shaving the tough skin on Papuans' feet and
applying hot irons to them to illicit "confessions". It is
therefore no wonder that Papuans resent the arrival of troops
from outside: prior experience sows they just disrupt an
otherwise relatively happy life.
Any feelings against migrants would, I feel, be caused by
anger fueled by impotence at the arrival of troops. Papuans
cannot fight heavily armed troops. They only have bows and
arrows.
Knowing that West Papua benefits the coffers of the central
government to such a large extent (through taxation of Freeport
Indonesia) I was, frankly, appalled at the lack of development.
There are very few decent roads. Other transport systems were old
and poorly maintained; electricity supply was haphazard;
provision of modern tools almost nonexistent; and schools, higher
education facilities and other "signs of development" kept to a
bare minimum.
It seems to me that the troops were sent to West Papua to
create trouble -- not to suppress any actual trouble. Any
disharmony was nonexistent before this seemingly high-handed
interference by the central government. There are concrete steps
that can be taken -- other than sending in the tough guys -- to
create an harmonious nation.
West Papuans are highly intelligent. They are adjusting
quickly to "life in the 21st Century". Basic education in the
3R's will help. Missionary schools are available but the
government needs to provide more access to both lower and higher
education.
In the other area I visited -- the highlands -- basic
education was present but, far flung. Only older children
benefited as they could walk the distances entailed -- often two
hours there and two hours back. Local schools are still not free.
In many areas in West Papua there is no money. People live by
barter trade: trading baskets etc, for rice. Schools in these
far-flung villages must therefore be subsidized in full by the
government and restrictions, e.g. the need to wear uniforms,
lifted. It is far too common for children not to be educated to
even the basic levels because parents cannot afford the "hidden"
costs.
What would also be useful would be affordable (free?) higher
training facilities. A man who had practiced in animal husbandry
for over 20 years had finally completed a recognized degree as a
vet. Until recently he had been unable to obtain any recognized
certification. This sort of certification is valued.
Indonesia must make it a priority to create a climate of hope
by acting in a rational and forward-thinking manner.
The principles of Pancasila are still valid. Adhere to them.
West Papua could be a model of sensitive and sensible
development.
TISHY BRUCE
Jakarta