Humanities and Arts
The Indonesianization of West Papua: Development of Indonesia's Attitudes and Policies towards West Papua and the Dynamics of the Papua Freedom Movement
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Riedno Graal Taliawo
Abstract
The Indonesianization of Papua project, which has been going on since 1963, has not yet reached the ideal stage. The rise of the post-2000s separatist movement indicates a need to re-read the relationship between Indonesia and West Papua, an examination of past and current events. This study aims to examine the dynamics of Indonesia's attitude and policy towards West Papua, the discourse, and the tension between Indonesia and the Papua freedom movement. This study uses a historical approach by diachronically reviewing how the Indonesian occupation and the Indonesianization project began and its relation to resistance from the Papuan community with the manifestation of the existence of the Papua Freedom Organization. In addition, to capture the synchronic dimension of the current situation, the writer also interviewed several key figures in the integration-and-disintegration of Papua as the primary data source. Indonesia has had a very monochromatic perspective of Papua throughout history, and they tend to ignore Papua as an entity with a will. The military approach and inappropriate development carried out by the Indonesian Government caused the strengthening of the Papuan independence movement. At this point, the Indonesian Government needs a new approach to negotiate its position with the West Papuan community and change the militaristic approach still being used in West Papua. The development approach taken by the current President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, towards West Papua does not seem to be reflected when we see how the stigmatization of Papua continues in the Government's political communication practices related to Papua.
Key Questions
What is the main focus of this study?
The study examines the dynamics of Indonesia's policies and attitudes toward West Papua, the discourse surrounding the region, and the tensions between Indonesia and the Papuan independence movement. It aims to provide a historical and contemporary analysis of the Indonesianization project and its impact on Papua.
What is the Indonesianization of Papua project?
The Indonesianization of Papua refers to the process of integrating West Papua into Indonesia, which began in 1963. It involves political, cultural, and economic efforts to assimilate Papua into the Indonesian state, though it has faced significant resistance from the Papuan community.
Why has the Indonesianization project not reached its ideal stage?
The project has not succeeded due to the strong resistance from the Papuan community, the rise of separatist movements, and the Indonesian government's monochromatic perspective, which often ignores Papuan autonomy and identity. Military approaches and inappropriate development policies have further exacerbated tensions.
What role does the Papuan independence movement play in this context?
The Papuan independence movement, particularly the Papua Freedom Organization, represents the resistance to Indonesianization. It highlights the desire for self-determination and the rejection of Indonesian policies perceived as oppressive or dismissive of Papuan identity.
How does the study approach the historical and current dynamics of the issue?
The study uses a historical (diachronic) approach to trace the origins of Indonesian occupation and the Indonesianization project, alongside a synchronic analysis of current events. It also includes interviews with key figures involved in the integration and disintegration of Papua.
What are the main criticisms of Indonesia's approach to Papua?
The main criticisms include Indonesia's monochromatic perspective, which disregards Papuan autonomy, and its reliance on military approaches and inappropriate development policies. These have strengthened the independence movement and deepened tensions.
What is the significance of President Joko Widodo's development approach?
While President Joko Widodo has introduced development initiatives in Papua, these efforts are undermined by the continued stigmatization of Papua in political communication and the persistence of militaristic approaches. This inconsistency has limited the effectiveness of his policies.
What does the study suggest as a way forward for Indonesia and Papua?
The study suggests that Indonesia needs a new approach that moves away from militarism and prioritizes dialogue and negotiation with the Papuan community. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing Papuan autonomy and addressing the root causes of resistance.
How does the study contribute to understanding the Papua-Indonesia conflict?
The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical and contemporary factors driving the conflict. It highlights the need for a shift in Indonesia's policies and offers insights into the perspectives of both the Indonesian government and the Papuan independence movement.
What are the broader implications of this study for Indonesia's national unity?
The study underscores the challenges of achieving national unity in a diverse and multi-ethnic state like Indonesia. It calls for a more inclusive and respectful approach to addressing regional grievances, particularly in areas like Papua with strong local identities and histories of resistance.
