TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Setara Institute National Council secretary Benny Susetyo or known as Romo Benny said the military approach towards the Papuan must be changed into dialogue approach. “Sincere and honest dialogue must be built to end violence,” said Benny on Wednesday, December 9.
Benny said dialogue is the only way to end separatism in Papua. He continued that the central government always fears that if the government established dialogue with the people of Papua, it would seem like Papua wanted to be independent [from Indonesia].
According to Benny, Papua issue is complicated because it concerns with the emergence of global capitalism and interests of those who have access to natural resources in Papua.
There are also attempts from the people of Papua to conduct peaceful dialogue with the central government. “There are negotiators from each tribe,” said Benny.
Setara Institue deputy chairman Azas Tigor Naipospos said Papuan’s dignity must be restored through recognizing and awarding them. “If you think about when Jokowi came to Papua, why was Papua Governor not present?”
Benny added that there have been attempts from President Joko Widodo to solve Papua conflict. “However, there seems some people, either from the military or those who have access to natural resources, who are trying to sabotage what Jokowi is doing in Papua”.
DIKO OKTARA
