The Origin of the Name Papua

 

Papua Region Map – Indonesia

The name of the large island at the eastern tip of Indonesia, formerly known as Irian, is now known as Papua. Where did the name Papua, as we use it today, originate?

Hari Suroto, a researcher at the Papua Archaeology Center, said that most scientific articles write that the word Papua comes from Old Malay as 'papuwah,' meaning 'curly hair.'

"In the records of 16th-century Portuguese and Spanish sailors, the word 'Papua' was the name for the inhabitants of the Raja Ampat Islands and the coastal areas of the Bird's Head," Hari Suroto said, as quoted by Tempo on Thursday, October 29, 2020.

The term 'sup-i-papwah,' comes from the Biak language. It means 'land under the setting sun.' At that time, the inhabitants of Biak Island could see a large island to the west, the island under the setting sun.

This large island, stretching from Papua to Papua New Guinea, is geographically known as New Guinea. The western part of New Guinea is part of Indonesia, currently part of Papua Province. The eastern part is part of Papua New Guinea.

The name New Guinea was given by Spanish sailor Ynigo Ortiz de Retes in 1545. He named the region New Guinea because the people there resembled the African peoples of the Guinea Coast.

In 1884, the British colonial government in Port Moresby proclaimed the southeastern part of New Guinea its territory. That same year, the German flag was raised in northeastern Papua New Guinea. The Dutch then acted, unwilling to allow western New Guinea to fall under European control.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo danced with the Papuan people

The Netherlands claimed territory from Raja Ampat to 141 degrees east (a line stretching east of Jayapura City to Merauke). The boundary between Papua and Papua New Guinea was formalized on May 16, 1895, in the Dutch Gravenhage. The border separating Papua and Papua New Guinea was outlined in the Staatsblad van Nederlandsch-Indie, 1895, Nos. 220 and 221.

This Dutch claim was finally recognized by the United Kingdom in 1895, followed by German recognition in 1910. This international boundary line remains in effect today, separating the country of Papua New Guinea from the Indonesian province of Papua.

Exploring the Breathtaking Environment of West Papua Indonesia: A Call for Global Awareness

 

The natural beauty of West Papua - Indonesia

Nestled in the western half of the island of New Guinea, WestPapua Indonesia boasts an extraordinary environment that is both diverse and fragile. Its ecosystems, ranging from lush rainforests to vibrant coral reefs, are home to a rich array of flora and fauna, some of which exist nowhere else on Earth. As awareness of environmental issues grows globally, this region's unique natural heritage demands the attention of the international community.

West Papua's rainforests are among the most biodiverse on the planet. The region serves as a habitat for countless species, including the iconic Birds of Paradise, tree kangaroos, and a plethora of endemic plants. These forests perform crucial ecological functions, such as carbon sequestration, which is pivotal in the fight against climate change. Unfortunately, rapid deforestation driven by logging, mining, and agricultural expansion poses a significant threat to these vital ecosystems.

Mining operations, in particular, have exacerbated environmental degradation. The extraction of natural resources, particularly gold and copper, has led to the displacement of local communities and the destruction of their ancestral lands. Heavy machinery and toxic waste from these operations pollute rivers and streams, compromising the health of local ecosystems. The consequences are profound, with local biodiversity declining and traditional ways of life being disrupted. The urgent need for sustainable practices that respect both the environment and indigenous rights is becoming increasingly evident.

In contrast to the land, West Papua's marine environments are equally spectacular. The waters surrounding the region are part of the Coral Triangle, one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. Vibrant coral reefs teeming with life support numerous fish species, sea turtles, and marine mammals. This underwater paradise faces threats from overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and climate change, which leads to coral bleaching and ecosystem decline. Efforts to promote sustainable fishing practices and marine protected areas have been initiated but require broader support from the global community to be effective.

Amid these challenges, local communities are emerging as crucial stewards of the environment. Many indigenous groups possess deep knowledge of their ecosystems and have practiced sustainable land management for generations. By empowering these communities and integrating traditional ecological practices into modern conservation efforts, there lies tremendous potential to preserve West Papua's natural heritage.

Global interest in conservation initiatives, especially from organizations and governments, can significantly impact West Papua's environmental future. Collaborations that support reforestation, sustainable tourism, and the protection of marine areas can foster economic development while safeguarding the environment. International partnerships can also facilitate knowledge exchange and funding for conservation projects that benefit local populations.

Public awareness campaigns are essential in rallying support for conservation efforts. Engaging the international public through social media, documentaries, and educational programs can shine a light on the rich biodiversity of West Papua and the urgent need for its protection. As advocates for the environment, individuals worldwide have the power to influence policies and decisions that could lead to a more sustainable future for this remarkable region.

In conclusion, the environment of West Papua Indonesia is not just a local issue; it is a global concern that calls for collective action. By recognizing the interconnectedness of ecosystems and embracing sustainable practices, we can help preserve this ecological treasure for future generations. The time to act is now, and the world must stand united in its efforts to protect West Papua’s extraordinary environments.

Benny Wenda’s Negative Propaganda: Provoking Conflict in West Papua

 

Benny Wenda, a West Papuan separatist figure

from the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP)

In recent years, the political landscape in West Papua has become increasingly contentious, with Benny Wenda emerging as a prominent figure in the independence movement. While Wenda’s efforts to advocate for the rights of the Papuan people receive international attention, it is essential to analyze the impact of his rhetoric and actions, particularly concerning negative propaganda that could exacerbate tensions in the region.

Benny Wenda, who leads the United Liberation Movement forWest Papua (ULMWP), has been an outspoken critic of Indonesia's government, portraying his homeland as an oppressed territory. His narrative often highlights issues such as human rights abuses, cultural erasure, and economic exploitation faced by Papuans. However, while these issues are undeniably serious, the manner in which Wenda frames his arguments can foster division and conflict rather than promote constructive dialogue.

One of the key aspects of Wenda’s approach is his use of emotive language and dramatic imagery to capture international attention. While mobilizing global solidarity for the Papuan cause is crucial, such a strategy risks oversimplifying complex socio-political dynamics. By portraying the situation solely in terms of oppression versus resistance, Wenda may unwittingly alienate potential allies who see the need for a more nuanced understanding of the issues at hand.

Moreover, Wenda’s emphasis on a narrative of victimhood can undermine the agency of Papuans themselves. By framing the struggle in a way that depicts Papuans primarily as victims of Indonesian aggression, there is a danger of overlooking the voices and perspectives of those within the West Papuan community who may advocate for a different approach, including dialogue and negotiation. This lack of inclusivity can lead to fragmentation within the movement itself.

 

Benny Wenda’s Interpol Red Notice

Another significant concern is the way that Wenda's rhetoric can provoke Indonesian nationalism and reinforce an 'us versus them' mentality. By casting the Indonesian government as oppressors, Wenda’s messaging may inadvertently encourage resistance to calls for reform from moderate Indonesians who might otherwise support greater autonomy or improved conditions for Papuans. This polarization can deepen existing conflicts, making it harder to achieve a peaceful resolution to the struggle.

Furthermore, Wenda’s working relationship with international organizations and activists can sometimes lead to the uncritical dissemination of information that may not fully consider the complexities of the situation on the ground. While it's vital to advocate for human rights, using potentially misleading statistics or anecdotal evidence without thorough investigation can lead to a cycle of misinformation that ultimately harms the Papuan cause.

The consequences of such negative propaganda are profound. As tensions escalate, the potential for violent conflict increases, endangering countless lives. The ongoing militarization of West Papua, driven in part by the heightened rhetoric surrounding independence, creates an environment ripe for confrontation.

In conclusion, while Benny Wenda’s commitment to advocating for West Papua is commendable, it is crucial to navigate the political landscape with care and responsibility. Engaging in negative propaganda and oversimplified narratives can provoke conflict rather than foster understanding. Ultimately, a focus on constructive dialogue, inclusive representation, and an accurate portrayal of the complexities of West Papua’s situation will be paramount in paving the way for a peaceful resolution and a brighter future for its people.

Three Legal Institutions Will Investigate Alleged Corruption in Papua Special Autonomy

 

Junior Attorney General for Special Crimes (Jampidsus), Ali Mukartono, said that law enforcement officers in Indonesia will begin to explore the use of special autonomy funds (Otsus) in the Papua and Aceh regions related to alleged corruption.

Ali explained that later the Attorney General's Office together with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) and the Indonesian Police under the command of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs will work on these cases.

“The budget disbursed by the government must have a principle of benefit for the welfare of the indigenous Papuan people”

However, Ali said that until now his institution did not know the initial data on which to investigate these cases. He only said that all the disbursement of government funds for Special Autonomy would now begin to be investigated by investigators and investigators.

Mahfud MD himself had previously received reports of alleged corruption of Special Autonomy funds from the Forum for Regional Heads in Tanah Tabi and Sairei (FORKADA), Papua Province.

Mahfud then instructed all law enforcement officials, from the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK), the Police, to the Attorney General's Office to immediately investigate these indications.

Meanwhile, the National Police's Intelligence and Security Agency (Baintelkam) revealed the alleged misappropriation of Papua's Special Autonomy funds at the 2021 Police Leadership Meeting (Rapim) in 2021 on Wednesday (17/2).

From the results of the investigation by the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK), there is waste and ineffectiveness in the use of the budget. In addition, there are indications of mark ups or price increases in the procurement of a number of public facilities in the Papua region.

Apart from waste, there was markup or price markup in the procurement of a number of public facilities in the Papua region. Furthermore, there are reports that fictitiously pay for a number of developments in the Papua region. The value is fantastic, reaching IDR 1.8 trillion.

Meanwhile, the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) has not turned a blind eye to encouraging the Regional Police and the WestPapua Attorney General's Office to investigate allegations of misappropriation of Special Autonomy funds in West Papua, although prevention efforts are still prioritized.

Deputy Chairman of the KPK, Alexander Marwata said that his institution has committed to monitoring the use of the Special Autonomy budget in Papua and West Papua, starting from systemic prevention and supervision in local governments to the grass roots as beneficiaries.

He explained that the commitment of this anti-rasuah institution to the management of the Papua Special Autonomy budget, so that the budget disbursed from the center is not redundant, and may even be corrupted.

The follow-up of the Government of the Republic of Indonesia together with related institutions in the case of alleged corruption in the management of the Papua Special Autonomy fund is a positive step in warning local elites to welcome the implementation of Otsus volume II. With this step, it is hoped that the sustainability of Otsus can provide real benefits for the welfare of the Papuan people.

 

Fernando H. 

Papuan Observer

The Importance of Papuan Participation in the Revision of the Papua Special Autonomy Law

 

 

                                                        Photo: Papua Barat Oke

Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ma'ruf Amin stated that he would thoroughly evaluate the governance of the Papua and WestPapua special autonomy funds (Otsus) so that it targets effectively for development and improving the welfare of the Papuan people.

Apart from evaluating, Ma'ruf said that his party would compile a new design and way of working in implementing the accelerated development program in Papua. He said he had held a Steering Board meeting for the Integrated Team for the Acceleration of Welfare Development in Papua and West Papua Provinces some time ago.

Currently under the coordination of Bappenas as the National Secretariat for the Integrated Team, an inventory and consolidation of data, work programs, and budget allocations for ministries, agencies and the Papua Regional Government is being carried out to ensure accuracy, adequacy and effectiveness of budgets and synchronization between Ministries, Agencies and Local Governments.

Ma'ruf also promised to invite dialogue and consultations with all components of society in Papua regarding the Otsus policy. Moreover, the Papua Special Autonomy policy volume I will end in 2021.

Ma'ruf plans to take a cultural approach through dialogue with various strategic partners in Papua. Such as traditional leaders, religious leaders, educational leaders, regional / bureaucratic leaders, youth and women leaders as strategic partners.

Meanwhile, Member of Committee I DPD RI, Intsiawati Ayus, emphasized that it is important to discuss the Papua Special Autonomy (Otsus) Bill (RUU) to involve indigenous peoples and the Papuan People's Rajelis (MRP).

"As a regional representation, DPD RI has an interest in giving the best in the framework of discussing the bill." 

The statement shows the similarity of opinion between the two figures above, where the participation of the Papuan people in the discussion of the Revision of the Papua Special Autonomy Law is a must. The government together with related institutions must optimize its role to hear the input and aspirations of the Papuan people regarding the sustainability of Otsus.

With such efforts, the Papuan people will feel that the Government is serious about evaluating the Papua Special Autonomy Law which has been running for the last 20 years. In this way, various propaganda efforts to reject the continuation of the Papua Special Autonomy can be anticipated by the Papuan people themselves.

As is well known, Otsus Papua has had a significant impact on welfare development in Papua. Physical and non-physical development has been shown to increase due to the allocation of special autonomy funds aimed at improving the welfare of the Papuan people.

 

Reno F.

Papuan Observer

Recruitment of TNI-POLRI Members through Otsus is a Form of Government's Commitment in Building Papuan Human Resources

 

 

A total of 1,000 non-commissioned cadets for the Special Autonomy for Indigenous Papuans (Otsus OAP) of Kodam XVIII Kasuari 2020 were asked to maintain the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and instill nationalism.

As many as 1,000 non-commissioned officers from Papua are currently undergoing the Special Autonomy Special Forces OAP Kodam XVIII Kasuari 2020 in a number of Military Regional Master Regiments (Rindam) on Java Island.

They consist of 330 students sent to Rindam III / Siliwangi, 240 non-commissioned officers to Rindam IV / Diponegoro, 260 students to Rindam V / Brawijaya, and 130 candidates for non-commissioned officers to Rindam Jaya. Then, as many as 40 native Papuan women attended the Education Center for the Indonesian Army Corps for Women (Pusdik Kowad), Lembang, Bandung.

In this education a new method is also applied, namely the foster family method by making each student soldier from an area other than Papua, who has first undergone education as a superintendent for two students from Papua. As older siblings, they are assigned to help Papuan students understand educational material.

Pangadam XVIII / Kasuari, Maj. Gen. TNI I Nyoman Cantiasa said that the Otsus non-commissioned officer program was a pilot program and became the first model to be implemented.

"The recruitment program for candidates for the Special Autonomy Pathway is a pilot projec
t, if successful, it is likely that next year there will be a similar program" 

Meanwhile, the West Papua Regional Police Chief has also issued a telegram letter Number: ST /50/III/DIK.2.1/2021 dated February 9, stating that the recruitment of NCOs will be carried out through the affirmation of the Special Autonomy route in 2021 with a student quota of 1,500 people consisting of 1400 candidates. male non-commissioned officers and 100 female non-commissioned officers (Polwan).

The provisions in the recruitment process in the West Papua Police Chief's telegram letter, the parents of the NCO candidates are native Papuans (OAP) or are descendants of OAP as evidenced by the MRPB recommendation letter.

Then prospective participants who are not OAP but born and raised and have received elementary, junior high and high school education in West Papua and are strengthened by an MRPB certificate.

The recruitment of indigenous Papuan youths to become members of the TNI - Polri shows the government's commitment to developing Papuan human resources. As is known, since it was launched in 2009, the Papua Provincial Government through a scholarship program sourced from special autonomy funds has produced thousands of graduates from various educational institutions.

Seven graduates from abroad, namely S3 as many as 22 people, S2 as many as 22 people, S1 as many as 148 people, D3 as many as nine people, high school as many as 132 people.

Four overseas graduates from the academy plus pilot or pilot licenses, 24 people in collaboration with the S2-S3 BIT LPDP pathway.

The data above shows clear evidence of the Government's commitment to developing Papuan human resources through Otsus funding. Therefore, we should support the extension of the increase in the SpecialAutonomy fund for the next 20 years.

 

Devan L.

Papuan Observer