TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - British Ambassador to Indonesia Moazzam Malik has expressed support to Papua Province to remain within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

"The policy of the British government is very clear that we support the unity of Indonesia, and Papua is absolutely a part of the NKRI, so there is no debate over it," Malik remarked in a special interview with Antara here on Tuesday.

Malik noted that being within the framework of the NKRI, the Papuan indigenous people are entitled to the same services as Indonesian citizens in other parts of the country.

"Hence, education and health services or opportunities in the economy must be tailored to their aspirations as well," the British envoy remarked.

He said that in the framework of the NKRI, the aspirations of indigenous Papuans should be heard, respected, and fulfilled, as this is the responsibility of the central and regional governments.

"We feel that President Joko Widodo is very conscious and committed to advancing the future of Papua, as he visits the Land of Cenderawasih more often than the previous heads of state," Malik noted.

The British envoy believes that the steps and policies undertaken by the president have been wise, such as the settlement of human rights cases that had become major issues, access to foreign journalists in Papua, the issue of political prisoners to regulate the process of dialog between the central government and Papuans to be heedful of his aspirations.

"Unfortunately, the implementation of these policies is still low until now. Hence, it demonstrates to all parties that there are certain interests that hinder the directives of President Jokowi," he remarked.

ANTARA