United with the Most Compassionate, the Catholic Church is always engaged in efforts towards reconciliation to safeguard the integrity of His creation and pave the way towards justice and peace for all people. Reconciliation is a step towards strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and a path towards peace.

Everyone is aware that no nation is without its challenges. In Indonesia, the issue of Papua is indeed distinct from the issue of East Timor, as I once participated in territorial operations in 1998-1999. However, the situation in Papua is often exploited by the mass media to shape public opinion.

Papua is actually in a different state from what is portrayed by sensitive humanitarian issues such as the marginalization of Papua’s community development, the opportunity to have widespread access, racism, and the rectification of the historical determination of the fate of the Papuan people.

The dialogue initiated by groups advocating for independence in Papua, aiming for self-determination and sovereignty separate from Indonesia, revolves around issues of Human Rights (HR) that are focused on rectifying the historical and political integration of Papua into Indonesia, state violence and unresolved serious HR violations since 1965, discrimination and marginalization of indigenous Papuans in their homeland, and the failure of development in crucial areas of people’s livelihoods, such as education, health, and the Papuan economy.

The communication process that creates different perceptions regarding the above issues is not just a matter of “information warfare,” but also presents the actual reality faced by the people of Papua.

In reality, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the National Police (Polri), together with religious leaders and through religious channels, build relationships and collaborate, including with media activists (journalists, musicians, book writers, cultural figures, etc.). TNI and Polri also partner with the Indonesian Bishops’ Conference (Konferensi Waligereja Indonesia – KWI) and, in this case, the Castrensis Ordinariate of Indonesia, to contribute to the discourse and discussions on justice, peace, and the environment.

In this context, how should the discussion about Papua, as an “information war,” be initiated? Just as Jesus conveyed teachings through parables and allegories, Papua can be likened to a beautiful maiden. Indigenous Papuans, like parents, are the guardians of this beautiful maiden who is desired by many suitors. Now, how can this beautiful maiden be courted?

This is where the importance of the courtship process lies, convincing outsiders of their good intentions to build a family together with her while still preserving the village, garden, land, and sea. Living together harmoniously is certainly the aspiration to sustain the unity of Papua in peace, harmony, and as one whole entity.

There is a story about Papua in the background. Around 1963, Robert Kennedy acted as a mediator between Soekarno and JF Kennedy, leading to agreements between the US and Indonesia. Discussions in this backroom setting – whose validity cannot be confirmed – became an issue propagated by pro-independence and self-determination advocates in Papua. The most evident data relates to West Papua, where there is only one mining company, Freeport, while in Papua New Guinea (PNG), there are 25 mining companies, 24 of which are from China and one from Australia (Rio Tinto). Moreover, the mining capacity in Freeport is much larger than what is present in PNG.

We all know that the international presence represented by the UN, since 1965 through UNTEA until 1969, acted as a mediator in the issue of West Papua. At that time, there were 1,025 eligible voters in the Act of Free Choice (Pepera) over a three-month period in Jayapura, Biak, and Sorong. In 1969, the results of Pepera were brought to New York, and the outcome was that the people chose to join the Indonesian government, as reflected in UN Resolution No. 2504 of 1969. This decision became the basis for the final and binding decision.

Now, it is time to manage the sovereignty of Indonesia, no longer an issue for foreign parties. Looking towards the future of Papua, the agenda should focus on bringing honor to customary law, the Papuan people, respecting local wisdom, and prioritizing the capacity building of indigenous Papuan communities in the development and empowerment strategy. Accelerating development must also be vigorously pursued.

Papua is a pivotal point on the meridian that revolves according to the Earth’s axis. The resulting rotation brings together mineral resources in the equatorial region. Therefore, Papua is rich in mineral resources such as titanium, cobalt, and other biomaterials, in addition to gold and copper, which were previously known.

What needs to be emphasized is the need for a heartfelt approach in building the vessel of life and reconciliation, as per the moral teachings of the Catholic Church. Currently, together with Prof. Dr. Ir. Apolo Safanpo, S.T, M.T., I.P.M, who is currently serving as the Acting Governor of South Papua, and Steve Mara from the Melanesian Youth Diplomacy Forum, which encompasses Melanesian regions in 5 South Pacific island nations (Vanuatu, PNG, Fiji, Solomon Islands), I have visited the Vatican to realize the hopes for Papua in accordance with the teachings of justice and peace of Jesus.

Wishing you abundant health and blessings.

Rm Yos Bintoro, Pr

Written in Rome (Vatican City)