Observer: Papua Cannot Be Understood Solely Through Today's Political Issues
Commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia’s independence, Ruang Suara Perempuan together with Korps HMI-Wati (KOHATI) PB HMI presented an event titled ‘Indonesia Layak Dirayakan’ (Indonesia Deserves to Be Celebrated). It was a gathering space for women across ethnic groups, organisations, communities and backgrounds to celebrate Indonesia’s journey through art, culture, stories and national ideas.
Carrying the theme ‘Indonesia Layak Dirayakan’, the event brought three main ideas: celebrating 81 years of the nation’s journey and resilience, appreciating national development achievements, and building optimism and collaboration for Indonesia’s future.
Through this event, the organisers aimed to strengthen unity among women across ethnic groups, make art and culture a medium for nationhood, open spaces of expression for women, build cross-community networks, and affirm women’s active role in national life.
The message was simple: Indonesia is not yet perfect, but there is always something worth celebrating. Difference is the face of Indonesia, and from that diversity the nation’s strength is born.
The series of activities featured national female figures. One of them was Stepi Anriani, Executive Director of Intelligence National Security Studies (INSS). She presented the main ideas about Papua and the journey of Indonesian history.
Stepi invited the audience to view Papua in a complete historical context. Indonesia became independent in 1945, while Papua had a different history until it finally entered Indonesian administration in the early 1960s.
Therefore, Papua cannot be adequately understood only through today’s political issues, but also through the history and journey of its people.
On women and politics, Stepi stressed that women do not have to become harsh when dealing with harsh men in political affairs.
‘Women may be gentle, but that does not mean weak. Gentleness can actually be a strength to face harsh politics in a more humane way,’ she said.
Education is one of the main keys for women to have independence and bargaining power.
The higher a woman’s education, the greater her ability to determine her life choices and build equal relationships.
It is not about reducing men’s access to women, but about ensuring women are not in a dependent position.
Stepi also urged fellow youth organisations and student executive bodies not to make demonstrations a reflexive response to every issue that emerges.