Suggestions from Papua leaders to President Jokowi regarding Benny Wenda’s claims

jpnn.com, JAKARTA – Tanah Papua Region VIII DPP Hanura Party Coordinator Mervin Sadipun Komber responded to Benny Wenda’s statement on the West Papua Declaration of Independence.

Mervin reminded the central government that it should not take Benny Wenda’s statements for granted. The reason is that the diplomacy of Benny Wenda et al has become increasingly massive recently with the United Liberation Movement of West Papua (ULMWP).

“This is important considering that one of the things the ULMWP often publishes is human rights violations in the Land of Papua,” Mervin, who is also a West Papua leader, said in a written statement received on Friday (12 / 4/2020).

Additionally, Mervin said that several Pacific countries also frequently raise human rights issues. Therefore, Mervin advised the central government to prioritize a traditional and cultural approach in Papua. One of the Papuan customs for resolving differences of opinion between the two parties is to sit together on a house-title-honai / adat mat.

“For this reason, we hope that the president will soon appoint an indigenous figure from Papua as the president’s special envoy, who will play a role in formulating outreach and communicating with the various parts of Papua in the context of dialogue. This special envoy it depends directly on the president, “said Mervin, former chairman of the DPD RI Honorary Board.

According to Mervin, dialogue is a very important solution to solve the Papua problem. Various parties have expressed solutions for the Government to have a dialogue with the Papuan people.

“We cannot underestimate the current situation in Papua and a security approach will not solve the problem. Also, the welfare approach has not been able to respond to the problems in Papua. We hope the president will act immediately before it is too late,” he said. Mervin.(fri / jpnn)

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