Pigai: Papuans may demand welfare, but not independence
Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has affirmed that the people of Papua may demand welfare, justice, and their rights, but not independence for Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
According to him, the expression of aspirations and the struggle over various community issues remain permissible as long as they are pursued through means consistent with the law and the constitution.
“What is not allowed is to declare ‘We want independence, separate from Indonesia.’ That is not allowed. Other things are allowed, no problem. As long as it is done in the right way, it is called defending people, the law protects, and the legal basis is clear,” said Pigai during a working visit at the Central Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Nabire on Monday evening (17/8).
He said that demands for the Papuan people to obtain a prosperous, just, affluent, 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 Papuan people to be prosperous, just, affluent, and healthy, 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 regarding 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 here is to help protect the community and deliver justice to the community,” he said.
He also assessed that strengthening access to justice needs to be done by bringing law enforcement institutions closer to communities in conflict areas.
Pigai mentioned that he has received a proposal for the establishment of 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 assist 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 their lawyer? Who advocates for them?” he said.
Pigai stressed that strengthening community advocacy is not an act contrary to the state as long as it is carried out according to 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 the very least we dare to express it. Keep bringing forth defenders of justice, truth, and humanity in Papua. If each of us competes to bring forth defenders of humanity, then a sun of justice will rise, starting from Central Papua,” he said.