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| Syasya Yuania Fadila Mas'udi, S.IP., MstratSt., International Study Program Study Program at UMM (Photo : Special) |
Papua, the easternmost province in Indonesia, has faced a prolonged conflict with the Organisasi Papua Merdeka (OPM) since the Dutch colonial era. The OPM, founded in 1965, aims to gain independence for West Papua. The conflict has claimed many lives and led to ongoing tensions between the Indonesian government and the separatist group.
Syasya Yuania Fadila Mas'udi, S.IP., MstratSt., as a lecturer in the International Relations study program, stated that this conflict originated from the unification of West Irian to Indonesia in 1969 through the determination of popular opinion, which was considered by some parties to not represent their wishes. It triggered the formation of the OPM and conflict with the Indonesian government. To find the right solution for the conflict in Papua, Syasya said that it is necessary to have an approach that focuses on open dialog and mutual understanding between the government and the OPM.
“There are many people who think that the government of Indonesia should take a cultural approach to resolving the conflict in Papua. In my personal opinion, it is necessary for the Indonesian government to have a better understanding of what the Papuan people really want. Is it indeed materialistic development that they need or something else,” she added.
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In addition, international organizations, such as the United Nations, can facilitate a discussion and provide technical assistance in resolving the conflict in Papua. The support of the countries is important to accelerate the process through cooperation and collaboration. The third party that mediates should be a neutral party that does not have any interest in the conflict. In this case, it may be possible to appoint Switzerland as a neutral country. However, the mediation process will not be possible if one of the parties is unwilling to have a discussion together to find the best solution for them.
Although it seems simple, resolving the OPM conflict in Papua is quite complicated. Lack of trust and years of tension make negotiations tough. Political and economic interests are also a barrier. A strong commitment from all parties is needed to reach a favorable agreement.
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To resolve the OPM conflict in Papua, Syasya emphasized that it is important to have discussion, negotiation, and special authorization. The inspiration from Aceh conflict resolution can be applied, but each conflict has its own context. She hopes that the protracted conflict in Papua can be resolved with a win-win solution. It should not be forced by one party to agree with the wishes of the other party. (bal/wil/put)
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