Zulkifli Ready to Facilitate Dispute Over Three Islands in Papua and Maluku
Sorong (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs, Zulkefli Hasan, has stated his readiness to facilitate the resolution of the status dispute regarding three islands in Raja Ampat, which is contested between Southwest Papua and North Maluku.
“If it is indeed Papua’s right and the basis is strong, we will help facilitate it so that it can be won,” said Zulkifli Hasan during the PAPEDA Summit 2026 event in Sorong on Wednesday.
Zulkifli stated that the central government can facilitate the resolution of this issue provided that the Southwest Papua Provincial Government can prove that the three islands are historically, customarily, and geographically part of Papua’s territory.
Zulkifli requested the Southwest Papua Provincial Government to complete all evidence and documents related to the status of the three islands, particularly historical, customary, and administrative boundary evidence.
“Whenever the Governor’s team wants to resolve this matter, I will help facilitate it,” he said.
According to Zulkifli, communication is the key to resolving various development issues and disputes in Papua. He noted that problems that cannot be resolved by local governments can be discussed with the central government by involving all relevant parties.
“If there are problems involving Regents, Mayors, Governors, the TNI (Military), the Polri (Police), or civil matters, we can talk and I can facilitate. I believe the key to everything is communication,” he said.
The three disputed islands are Sayang (or Sain) Island, Piyai (or Piay) Island, and Kiyas Island.
According to Alfons, geographically, these three islands are located within Papua’s territory and possess historical evidence related to Dutch colonial administration and World War II events.
He stated that the issue is also linked to the customary territories of the Raja Ampat people, necessitating a resolution that provides legal certainty. “If possible, we should incorporate this spatial planning data and regulate it through legislation so that it is not transferred again in the future,” said Alfons.
Elisa mentioned that Sayang (or Sain) Island, Piay Island, and Kiyas Island are part of Papuan land and the customary territory of the Raja Ampat people, and their administrative status needs to be restored.
“This is an administrative error that must be corrected. We will pursue all legal and constitutional mechanisms to ensure the status of these islands is returned to Southwest Papua,” said Elisa.
In 2021, the three islands were declared part of the North Maluku Province through a decision issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
The Southwest Papua Provincial Government, along with the Raja Ampat Regency Government, customary leaders, the Regional House of Representatives (DPRD), and the community, have unified their efforts to fight for the resolution of this dispute.