Jayapura- Pastor Yones Wenda, a prominent religious figure in Papua, appealed to the public not to follow the KNPB’s call and instead celebrate the Republic of Indonesia’s Independence Day with full joy and a sense of nationalism.
According to him, Indonesian independence was the result of the struggle of heroes, including Papuan fighters, and the Papuan people should protect and respect this independence with love for their homeland.
Papua is an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). Maintaining integrity and peace in Papua is a shared responsibility, and the KNPB’s call to end the national conflict is actually seen as an attempt to divide the nation.
Apart from that, Yakobus Dumupa, a Catholic figure and young Papuan intellectual, emphasized that Papua is independent from colonialism and is currently part of the Republic of Indonesia. He invited the public to support the government in advancing Papua, especially in terms of education and economic development.
The government and Papuan community leaders also realize the important role of the media in maintaining peace in the region.
The call, which was marked nationally by the KNPB, was also considered an act that did not respect the needs and rights of the Papuan people. Stopping community activities for the benefit of a small group of people clearly violates human rights. Moreover, this action was taken in the midst of community and government efforts to advance Papua and improve the welfare of the people in the area.
