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