Jayapura – Hengky Jokhu, Chairman of the Papua Rising NGO, delivered his message following the Repeat Gubernatorial Election (PSU) in Papua. He emphasized that democracy in Papua should be a platform for unity, not a trap for debates over ethnicity or religion.
“This gubernatorial election is nothing new for us. Special Autonomy clearly stipulates that the Governor must be an Indigenous Papuan and elected democratically. We have followed that rule. If there are still those dissatisfied, the legal process is the proper avenue—not the spread of sectarian issues,” Hengky stated firmly yet calmly.
For Hengky, politics should remain a healthy space for competition. He warned that linking leaders to their ethnic, religious, or racial backgrounds could become a poison that undermines democracy. “In North Maluku, people can practice democracy without sectarian narratives. Why can’t we do the same in Papua?” he asked pointedly.
Hengky underlined that anyone who runs for office—as long as they are Indigenous Papuan—has the same right to be elected. “This is a five-year political mandate. If their performance is good, the people will re-elect them. There is no need for division simply because of different political choices,” he added.
He further reminded the public not to be carried away by political euphoria that could trigger fragmentation. According to him, Papua’s main challenge today is no longer identity politics but rather economic development in the wake of the establishment of new autonomous regions (DOB).
“Let us put an end to negative narratives. We must not allow the Papuan people themselves to become the victims. Let us focus on building the economy, because it is through that path that stability and growth can be achieved together,” he concluded.
