Plurality and the unitary republic

Plurality and the unitary republic

From Rakyat Merdeka

Irian Jaya belongs to the entire Indonesian nation, and we
feel it is important to retain it within the unitary state of the
Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

The loyalty and desire of the Irianese to be one with the NKRI
is reflected by RCTI's polling in its various "Dialogue" program
held on Dec. 27, 2000. Within half an hour, of 621 in-coming
phone calls, 71 percent didn't agree with Free Papua aspirations,
while only 26 percent did, and the rest (some three percent) were
indifferent.

Regarding the civil emergency enforcement, 58 percent of all
the phone calls didn't agree, 36 percent did, and the remaining
six percent replied "don't know". Concerning the best solution
for Irian Jaya, 74 percent chose regional autonomy, 15 percent
independence and 11 percent referendum. It's intensely felt that
the Indonesian people want Irian Jaya to remain part of the
Indonesian nation.

The ethnic reasons used by some Irianese as a basis for
separation claims from NKRI can't be fully accepted as an
adequate premise. Ethnic difference can't be made a reason for
separating themselves from state territory, though it is only
natural in a state whose population comprises of various ethnic
groups. There are many examples where ethnic or racial difference
doesn't trigger each ethnic group to separate themselves from the
territories of their states, e.g. the U.S.A. and Russia.

The result of the 1969 "Papera" in Irian Jaya which was then
still called West Irian can't be made a platform for separation
from Indonesia. The placing of Irian Jaya into the Republic of
Indonesia took place on the basis of the agreement between the
governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands which was recognized
by the United Nations and the international world. Though there
is an argument that the background of their wish to be free is
because there is disrespect and different treatment of the
Irianese which results in their strange, uncomfortable feelings
in their own country, several lawyers claim that the attempt made
by the Papuan Council to separate themselves from the NKRI is a
coup d'etat, which if left as it is, might trigger national
disintegration.

Territorially, the state is obliged to maintain the wholeness
of its territory to avoid dissension. The splitting of a state
territory on the basis of political, ideological and ethnic
difference may not be exerted. The government of a state reserves
the right to safeguard the entirety of its territory and to
prevent it from any internal or external attempt to divide the
state.

So, if we can categorize the Papuan Council as a separatist
group aiming at a coup d'etat, then the government is wisely
handling the aspirations of the Irianese. Hopefully, there will
be no bloodshed and fighting, and most importantly, that Irian
Jaya will remain Indonesian territory.

SOPANDI ALI

Tangerang, Banten