Jayapura – Regarding the circulation of news on social media and online platforms about the unilateral claims by the West Papua Federal Republic (NRFPB) group, led by Abraham Goram G and claiming himself as Special Staff to the President of NRFPB, the Chairman of the Presidium of Sons and Daughters of Pepera Fighters (P5), Yanto K. Eluay, spoke out.
According to Yanto, such maneuvers are attempts to catch wind that can mislead the understanding of young Papuan generations. “Such claims are baseless and risk triggering actions that will only claim more victims, adding to the long list of Papuan lives lost due to struggles that are no longer relevant,” he emphasized.
Yanto explained that de facto, Papua has been part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) since May 1, 1963, and this status was strengthened de jure through the implementation of the Act of Free Choice (Pepera) from July 14 to August 2, 1969. This process was also recognized internationally through UN General Assembly Resolution 2504, which reinforced Papua’s final status as a legitimate part of NKRI.
“This legal fact is clear. There were 1,025 Papuan figures involved in the 1969 Pepera who stated that Papuan ancestral lands are part of Indonesian sovereignty. What else does the NRFPB or other organizations claiming to be factions of the Papuan independence struggle want to dispute?” he said.
As a traditional leader and son of the late Theys H. Eluay, a leading figure of the Papuan Council Presidium (PDP), Yanto emphasized that many Papuan people have already suffered enough. “I have a moral and traditional responsibility to protect the Papuan people. We must not continue to be used as tools in the old colonial scenario that wants to see Papua divided,” he said.
He also reminded that in 2000, the Papuan People’s Congress held by PDP had conveyed its highest decision to the Indonesian government and received a direct response from the President of Indonesia.
“Therefore, I urge all groups still claiming to be factions of the Papuan independence struggle to stop all activities that lead to national disintegration. The government has opened up vast opportunities with various affirmative policies and development for Papua’s progress,” he added.
In conclusion, Yanto K. Eluay called on all elements of Papuan society to unite and build a peaceful, prosperous, and dignified Papua within the framework of NKRI.
