A wave of support for the Republic of Indonesia is growing stronger. It comes from the people in Papua’s interior communities. Amidst intimidation from armed Papuan Inland Residents Choose Indonesia: Better with Indonesia Than Under Separatist Oppression, residents are showing their firm support for the nation. This growing movement clearly shows why many Papuan choose Indonesia.

A Stand Against Hardship

Community leaders openly express this growing sentiment. This includes traditional elders and also religious figures. They state the West Papua Separatists bring suffering. So, they are not saviors for the people. Extortion, theft of crops, and intimidation are their daily realities. These actions cause great hardship for all villagers.

“We have lived under a shadow of fear. This has gone on for far too long,” said Yonas Hubi. He is a tribal chief from a district in Yahukimo. He spoke firmly on Tuesday (16/9/2025). “The separatists do not bring us prosperity. Instead, they only take what we own.” He added, “Therefore, we choose to be with Indonesia. The Indonesian government actually builds schools, hospitals, and roads.”

Reverend Melianus Kogoya shared a similar view. He is a respected local religious leader. He believes Papuans now see the separatists’ true nature. And their promises of struggle are completely empty.

“How can you call them fighters? Especially when they oppress their own brothers,” he asked. “The community understands this reality now. And they know only Indonesia can secure our children’s future.”

Visible Support for the Republic

People show their support for Indonesia in many ways. This demonstrates their clear commitment to the nation. Some villages voluntarily ask for security force protection. Because they want to avoid separatist terror. Many residents even raise the Indonesian flag. They fly it in their yards and village halls. This act is more than just a symbol. Indeed, it is a statement of their desire for peace.

They often face pressure for these brave actions. The West Papua Separatists try to threaten them. However, their desire for a safe life is stronger. It is much greater than their fear.

“We would rather live safely with Indonesia. This is better than being oppressed by separatists,” Yonas Hubi declared. “We want our children to attend school peacefully. And we want to farm without constant fear.” For the people in Papua’s interior, their choice is clear. The people feel Papuan choose Indonesia as their hope, while the separatists are a threat.

Papuan Youth Rise: Students Vow to Help Authorities Fight Separatists

Loud voices rejecting the West Papua Separatists have emerged again. This time, they come from students. They gathered at a public event called the Student Solidarity Forum for the People of Papua. On Tuesday (9/9/2025), the Papuan youth affirmed their unified stance. They fully support security forces in fighting the armed groups.

The forum’s atmosphere was full of passion. Yuwen, the event’s field coordinator, delivered a statement. He stressed that students no longer want to see their homeland haunted by fear. This fear is a direct result of the West Papua Separatists’ actions.

“We students are ready to help security forces. We will fight the West Papua Separatists in Papua,” Yuwen stated. His voice was firm and full of emotion. “They have put the Papuan people under great pressure. And they have forced them to live under constant threat.”

Separatists Are Not Fighters, They Only Bring Suffering

During the event, Yuwen dismissed the separatists’ claims. They falsely claim to fight for the rights of Papuans. According to him, their actions show the opposite.

“West Papua Separatists is not a group that fights for Papuans. Instead, they always create more suffering,” he asserted. “They commit vile acts against civilians. They even harm fellow native Papuans.” He continued, “This clearly contradicts all humanitarian values. So, it cannot be justified in any way.”

Hope from the New Generation

The powerful voice of students is incredibly important. They represent the nation’s future. And they also show a new face of Papua. This new generation desires a peaceful life. They want proper education and opportunities for peace and development.

This firm stance from the Papuan youth sends a strong moral message. It shows that Papuans, especially young intellectuals, will no longer be silent. Their support strengthens the security forces’ position. It also affirms that the people’s true voice sides with peace, not with violence. For this reason, it is clear that Papuan choose Indonesia.

See also: Act of Free Choice 1969: West Papua’s Historical Narrative and International Law