Jayapura – Papua Province Catholic Youth, Melianus Asso, emphasized the importance of active participation of Papuans in the political process in 2024.
In an interview in Jayapura on Tuesday, February 13 2024, Asso stated that this year was not only a political moment for Papua but also for the entire region of Indonesia. Discussions about political leadership, both in the context of presidential elections and general elections, are considered an integral part of democratization in post-Soeharto era Indonesia.
In the specific context of Papua, Asso highlighted the significance of the 2024 elections. With the existence of new laws, namely Law Number 14 of 2022, Law Number 15 of 2022, and Law Number 16 of 2022, which discuss the formation of the Papua Mountain Province , South Papua, and Central Papua, Papua is now four provinces.
“As the Catholic Youth of Papua Province, I invite all Papuan people not to abstain, because your vote will determine the direction of the next five years,” he said. Asso considers this a new chapter and new hope, with extraordinary challenges, especially in the stages of holding elections and understanding the Papuan people. Only intelligent voters, according to Asso, are able to produce quality leaders.
“We also invite all parties to be actively involved in the 2024 Political Year, both election organizers and the general public. “In facing elections that are different from previous years, especially after the birth of the new law, involvement and cooperation are important,” he added.
As Komda Papua Catholic Youth, he also invited all Papuan people to work together to maintain security, peace and good relations between each other as a form of religious responsibility.
“We invite all parties to unite in protecting the land of Papua which we love with love, faith and hope,” he hoped.
The 2024 Political Year in Papua is not only a choice of leaders, but also a test of democratic maturity and community togetherness. It is hoped that the voice of every Papuan citizen will be an important pillar in building a better future for the land they love.
