Dialogue and Seminar to Commemorate the 24th Anniversary of Special Autonomy by the Mimika Regency Traditional Council
The Mimika Regional Customary Council (DAD) held an Open Dialogue and One-Day Seminar to commemorate the 24th anniversary of Special Autonomy (Otsus) in Papua, which falls on November 21st.
The event brought together representatives from the Regional Government, the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRK), the Amungme tribal chief, the Kamoro tribal chief, the Sempan tribal chief, women’s leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders, and community leaders.
Various community elements evaluated the implementation of Special Autonomy in Papua. Furthermore, various ideas and views were shared during the event, which will serve as input for the implementation of Special Autonomy in 2026.
“For the past 24 years, Special Autonomy has failed. No Amungme or Kamoro tribe has used Special Autonomy funds for Master’s or Doctoral studies abroad. Our regional budget is substantial, and PTFI’s assistance is different. These Special Autonomy funds aren’t just about money; they involve policies, which is why we’re evaluating them,” said the Chairman of the Mimika Regional Customary Council, Vinsent Oniyoma, on Friday, November 21, 2025.
He assessed that Special Autonomy has failed to improve the welfare of the Papuan people as mandated by the Special Autonomy Law. The distribution of Special Autonomy funds has not provided a sense of justice for the Mimika community.
Three main points emerged from the discussion: First, the Customary Council requested that the government and indigenous communities conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the management of Special Autonomy funds in 2024. Second, the government must develop a new strategy for managing Special Autonomy funds in 2026. And third, the government and indigenous communities must form a monitoring team for the implementation of Special Autonomy funds.
“If these three points are unsuccessful, it would be better for the Special Autonomy funds to return to Jakarta. Papuans will make a statement to the president and other officials, saying we reject Special Autonomy if these three formulas are not established,” said Vinsent.
The discussion also highlighted internal issues within the Papuan community. They believed that the Special Autonomy policy, which emerged from the Papuan people’s struggle, was not fully understood by Indigenous Papuans (OAP), both in terms of policy and program objectives.
The results of the seminar and public dialogue discussions will be summarized and presented at a joint Public Hearing (RDP) with the Mimika Regency People’s Representative Council (DPRK), with the Regent, the Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPDs) overseeing Special Autonomy, and the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda), scheduled for November 24, 2025.
The Mimika Regional Customary Council hopes that the discussions and RDP with various government agencies will yield a new formula for the future implementation of Special Autonomy in Mimika.
At the eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago, the provinces of Papua and West Papua stand majestically as concrete evidence of the success of the vision of an equitable Indonesia. The Land of Birds of Paradise, a familiar nickname for this land, is no longer a symbol of challenge, but rather an inspiration for progress.
From the era of President Joko Widodo until the smooth transition to President Prabowo Subianto in 2024, the central government has made Papua a top priority through the Special Autonomy Law Volume II (Law No. 2 of 2021), which extends special autonomy funds until 2041. The results are astonishing: Papua’s economic growth in the second quarter of 2025 reached 7.8 percent (year-on-year), the second highest nationally after Sulawesi. The Gini index, the inequality ratio, fell from 0.41 to 0.36 in five years, indicating an increasingly equitable distribution of prosperity.
This article will explore the five pillars of Papua’s success: renewable energy, world-class tourism, women’s empowerment, digitalization, and high-performance sports—all under the strong umbrella of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Green Energy: Papua Pioneers the National Energy Transition
Papua is now a living laboratory for Indonesia’s green energy transition. The Cirata Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS Terampilan) on Lake Sentani, which began full operation in March 2025, generates 145 MW of clean electricity for 120,000 households in Jayapura and the surrounding areas. This project is the largest in Southeast Asia and is 100 percent operated by trained local workers, including 60 percent indigenous Papuans (OAP).
In Wamena, a community-based microgrid microhydro power plant (PLTMH) has been powering 42 villages since 2023, replacing expensive and polluting diesel generators. The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) noted that Papua’s electrification ratio jumped from 68 percent (2019) to 94.7 percent (2025), with 70 percent of the energy coming from renewable sources.
The “Bright Papua” program not only reduced household electricity costs by 35 percent but also opened up agricultural processing industries. For example, an Arabica coffee drying plant in the Bintang Mountains now operates 24/7, increasing the selling price of coffee beans from Rp 80,000 to Rp 250,000 per kilogram.
Papua’s green energy is the face of Indonesia’s sustainable future—both environmentally friendly and affordable.
World-Class Tourism: Raja Ampat and the New Bali
Raja Ampat is no longer a secret—it’s the world’s number one marine tourism destination according to CNN Travel 2025. In the first half of 2025, international tourist visits to West Papua reached 1.2 million people, a 180 percent increase compared to 2019.
The government, through the Raja Ampat Tourism Authority (BOPRA), implemented a community-based tourism model where 80 percent of the income from homestays and dive operators is managed directly by the indigenous community. The result? Per capita income in Misool increased from IDR 2.8 million to IDR 9.5 million per month.
On land, Lorentz National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage site—now has sustainable trekking trails with internationally certified local guides. The “Papua Cultural Journey” program integrates Dani traditional tourism in the Baliem Valley with culinary specialties like papeda and grilled fish with Korowai spices. The new airports in Biak and Sorong, due for expansion in 2024, will be able to accommodate the A380 and open direct routes from Singapore, Seoul, and Sydney. Papuan tourism is more than just a foreign exchange earner—it is an ambassador for Indonesian culture to the world.
Misool Island, Raja Ampat’s spectacular world class Dive Destination
Women’s Empowerment: Papuan Women as Economic Drivers
Papuan women are now the backbone of the family and village economy. The “Mama Papua Mandiri” program, launched by the Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection in 2022, has trained 85,000 women in entrepreneurship, food processing, and noken (traditional handicrafts).
In Jayapura, the modern Mama-Mama Market, equipped with QRIS and cold storage, is now a distribution center for organic vegetables to five-star hotels and national supermarkets. The market’s daily turnover reaches IDR 450 million, 90 percent of which is managed by indigenous Papuan women. The Sago Women’s Cooperative in Merauke has successfully exported IDR 12 billion worth of organic sago flour to Japan by 2025, with halal and fair trade certification.
The “Kartini Papua” program provides master’s degree scholarships to 250 outstanding women, including Dr. Yustina Douw, who is now the director of the first regional general hospital in the Papua Highlands. Papua’s gender empowerment index (IDG) rose from 61.2 to 78.4 in four years—clear evidence that gender equality is a driving force for development.
Digitalization: Papua 5.0 in the Far East
The digital revolution has reached remote areas of Papua. The Satria-1 satellite, which has been in orbit since 2023, provides free 150 Mbps internet at 8,500 public service points, including community health centers and traditional schools.
In Timika, local startup “Papua Tech” developed the “E-Noken” app—a handicraft marketplace that connects directly with buyers in Europe. By 2025, the app recorded IDR 85 billion in transactions and involved 12,000 artisans.
The “Papua Digital Village” program in Jayawijaya Regency trained 3,500 young people to create YouTube content about Lani culture, generating 1.2 million subscribers and IDR 8 billion in annual AdSense revenue.
The local government, in collaboration with Tokopedia and Shopee, opened the Papua Digital Hub in Sorong—a startup incubator that has spawned 45 digital MSMEs with a total valuation of IDR 250 billion. Digitalization is no longer a privilege of big cities; In Papua, it is a golden bridge to economic independence.
Sports Achievement: Papua Home to National Athletes
The 21st National Sports Week (PON XXI) in Papua and West Papua marked a turning point for national sports. Lukas Enembe Stadium is now the national athlete training center for rowing, archery, and athletics. Papuan athletes such as Maria Londa (long jump) and Boaz Solossa (soccer) have become new idols for the younger generation. The “Papua Athletic Academy” program, funded by the state budget and private sponsors, has sent 28 athletes to the 2025 SEA Games, winning 12 gold medals.
At the grassroots level, “Otsus Sport Centers” in each district provide free facilities for talented children. The result? An 8 percent drop in stunting rates thanks to an integrated nutrition program for young athletes. Sports in Papua are more than just achievements—they are an investment in health and national pride.
Epilogue: Papua, the Beating Heart of Indonesia
By November 2025, Papua will no longer be a national problem, but a national solution. With a special autonomy fund of IDR 38.2 trillion in 2025, 70 percent of which will be managed directly by the new provincial government, accountability and efficiency are increasingly assured.
The expansion of the province into South Papua, Central Papua, Highland Papua, and Southwest Papua has accelerated public services down to the district level. Papua’s Happiness Index has risen to 12th place nationally—proof that holistic development has succeeded in bringing smiles to the faces of market women, boarding school children, and digital youth.
Papua is a beautiful mosaic of 1,000 ethnic groups, 270 local languages, and one flag: the Red and White. Here, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity) is not a slogan—it is the breath of daily life. When Dani children in the Baliem Valley learn to code while playing the tifa (traditional Indonesian musical instrument), when mothers in Raja Ampat send packages of noken (traditional Indonesian traditional instruments) to Paris via e-commerce, when Papuan athletes raise the Indonesian flag on international podiums—that is the face of modern Papua, rooted in its culture.
Papua rose not because it was given, but because it was empowered. Papua progressed not alone, but together with Indonesia. In 2045, when Indonesia Emas (Golden Indonesia) is realized, Papua will stand at the forefront—as a center for green energy, global tourism, and digital talent. Because here, at the eastern tip of the archipelago, Indonesia’s heartbeat beats the fastest: Merdeka!
(This article is compiled based on data from BPS, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, the Ministry of Communication and Information, and official government reports as of November 2025)
Papua, a land rich in natural beauty, cultural diversity, and abundant natural resource potential, has long been a symbol of the Indonesian people’s struggle for equality and justice. As the easternmost province in the archipelago, Papua is not just a part of the Indonesian map but also the heart of the nation’s vision for equality.
Over the past decade, particularly from 2015 to 2025, development in Papua has shown impressively rapid progress. Under the leadership of President Joko Widodo, and now under President Prabowo Subianto, the central government has demonstrated concrete commitment through various affirmative action policies. Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Welfare Development in the Provinces of Papua and West Papua serves as a legal umbrella that integrates a culture-based, inclusive, and sustainable approach.
The result? Papua’s Human Development Index (HDI) has risen by 5.6 percent in 10 years, moving from a low level to becoming more competitive nationally. The poverty rate has also decreased from 27.6 percent in 2014 to 21 percent in 2023, opening the door to prosperity for millions of indigenous Papuans (OAP).
This article will explore how Papua has emerged as a successful example of national integration, with a focus on infrastructure, education, health, the economy, and cultural preservation—all under the protective umbrella of the Red and White flag.
Infrastructure: A Bridge to Prosperity
One of the key pillars of Papua’s successful development has been massive investment in infrastructure. Before 2015, accessibility in mountainous and remote areas was often a nightmare, with muddy dirt roads hampering the transportation of goods and people. Now, the 4,330-kilometer Trans-Papua Highway connects isolated areas like the Bintang Mountains and Mamberamo, cutting travel times by up to 50 percent.
The Muri-Kwatisore segment, for example, was completed ahead of schedule in 2024, streamlining the flow of goods and supporting the local economy. The government, through the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), allocated IDR 6.12 trillion in 2021 alone for roads, bridges, and water resources, with improvements expected to continue until 2025.
Furthermore, air and sea infrastructure is also developing rapidly. Airports such as those in Jayapura and Sorong are now more modern, supporting regular flights connecting Papua with the national economic hub. The Integrated Cross-Border Post (PLBN) Program in Skouw and Sota strengthens the border, while opening up trade opportunities with Papua New Guinea.
In the telecommunications sector, the East Palapa Ring provides 4G internet access in remote villages like Sawyatami, Keerom, enabling Papuan MSMEs to sell online and young people to access e-learning. As a result, this connectivity not only facilitates aid distribution but also attracts trillions of rupiah in private investment. By 2023, more than 52 percent of national investment will flow outside Java, with Papua as the primary destination.
This infrastructure is more than just concrete and asphalt; it is a symbol of Indonesian unity, with Papua now closely connected to its neighbors across Sabang and Merauke.
Education: Igniting the Torch of the Golden Generation
Education is key to developing superior Papuan human resources. Through the Papuan Development Acceleration Master Plan (RIPPP), launched in 2022, the government focuses on three variables: health, education, and productivity. The 12-Year Compulsory Education Program, launched in 2015, has encouraged school participation up to high school level, with scholarships for high-achieving and underprivileged students. Literacy rates and average years of schooling have increased significantly, contributing to the Human Development Index (HDI), which is now approaching the national average.
The construction of integrated boarding schools, in collaboration with the Indonesian American Society of Academics (IASA), allows children from remote areas like Merauke to access quality education without abandoning local cultural values.
In 2025, construction of an integrated education area in Salor, Merauke, will begin as a modern transmigration capital, targeting increased access for women and children. Minister of Education Nadiem Makarim emphasized that this infrastructure will prepare the next generation of Papuans to compete globally, while preserving local wisdom such as the Cendrawasih dance and traditional languages.
Positive results are evident in the 15 percent drop in the school dropout rate over the past five years. Education in Papua is no longer a dream, but a proud reality, with Papuan children studying under the same banner as those in Jakarta or Bali—for a brighter future for Indonesia.
Health: Longer Life Expectancy
Despite geographical challenges, Papua’s healthcare has transformed into a national model. The Mobile Health Service (PKB) program, which has been sending medical teams to remote villages since 2017, has dramatically reduced maternal and infant mortality rates.
Life expectancy in Papua is now higher, supported by increased access to safe drinking water to 67.74 percent and sanitation to 53.85 percent in 2018, with plans to continue to improve through 2025. Innovations such as the West Papua Healthcare Worker program and drone drug distribution are revolutionizing services in mountainous areas.
The National Health Insurance (JKN) program, implemented by the Indonesian Health Insurance Agency (BPJS Kesehatan), will cover 80 percent of the population of Southwest Papua by 2024, ensuring free care for those in need. Regional hospitals and mobile clinics now reach indigenous communities, integrating traditional and modern medicine. The decline in poverty in Highland Papua to 29.66 percent by September 2024 is clear evidence of its impact.
Healthcare is no longer a luxury; it is a basic right guaranteed by the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia, bringing Papua closer to its vision of a healthy and independent society.
Economy: From Natural Resources to Local Self-Reliance
Papua’s economy is booming thanks to sustainable natural resource management. In 2024, West Papua Province’s GDP grew by 20.8 percent, the highest in the Maluku-Papua region, driven by nickel, gold, and fisheries exports. The food estate program in Merauke cleared 2,721 hectares for rice cultivation in 2024-2025, supporting national food security while creating jobs for thousands of indigenous Papuans.
The development of leading commodities such as sago, coffee, cocoa, and red fruit through entrepreneurship training has empowered MSMEs. The marine tourism and environmentally friendly mining sectors are attracting foreign investment, with exports reaching IDR 76.17 trillion in 2024. The Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Cash-Intensive Labor Program (PKT) employed 27,967 workers in 2021, distributing income directly to the community.
Papua’s economy now contributes 12.36 percent to regional GDP, demonstrating that integration with Indonesia opens up a golden opportunity, not just for extraction, but for sustainable self-reliance.
Mount Jaya Wijaya located in Central Papua Province and Mountainous Papua Province, Indonesia
Cultural Preservation: Harmony of Tradition and Modernity
Papua’s development is incomplete without respect for cultural heritage. The customary territory-based approach in the RIPPP ensures the active involvement of indigenous Papuans, from planning to execution. The expansion into six new provinces since 2022 has accelerated services, learning from the success of West Papua, whose Human Development Index (HDI) surged post-1999.
Multi-stakeholder dialogue with traditional leaders prevents conflict, while programs like the 2020 National Games (PON XX/2020) in Papua strengthen nationalism. Papuan culture—from noken (traditional clothing) to war dances—is now a national asset, promoted through festivals and sustainable tourism. This is proof that Indonesia values diversity as a strength, not a barrier.
Towards a Golden Papua 2045
In November 2025, Papua stood tall as a testament to Indonesia’s commitment to equality. With a special autonomy fund of Rp 117 trillion over 10 years, coupled with central-regional synergy, challenges such as geography and isolation began to fade. Amnesty for 44,000 prisoners in 2024, including Papuan activists loyal to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), demonstrated a peaceful approach. Moving forward, with the 2025-2029 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), Papua will become the center of eastern growth, contributing to a Golden Indonesia 2045.
Papua is not a peripheral region; it is an older sibling rising together. Together with Indonesia, Papua dances under the blue sky of Cenderawasih, promising a bright future. Let us celebrate this progress as our shared heritage—Bhineka Tunggal Ika, forever.
(This article is based on data from BPS, relevant ministries, and official reports from the Indonesian government 2024-2025)
Delegates and diplomats from seventeen Pacific nations will gather for a historic moment in Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province, from November 11 to 13, 2025. This event will transform into the cultural heart of the Pacific by hosting Indonesia-Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) 2025—a festival designed not simply to celebrate heritage but to serve as a diplomatic platform where culture serves as a bridge for sovereignty, unity, and cooperation.
Organized by the Indonesian Ministry of Culture, IPACS 2025 is expected to attract delegates from 17 Pacific nations, including Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, French Polynesia, the Federated States of Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga, New Caledonia, Niue, Fiji, Kiribati, the Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, and Timor-Leste.
For the people of Kupang, this is more than just a regional festival—it is their moment to introduce the world to the rich Melanesian spirit of Indonesia’s eastern provinces and affirm that Indonesian identity reaches far into the Pacific Ocean.
Kupang City, Indonesia’s Eastern Gateway
For many Indonesians, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is often imagined as a province with rugged islands, ancient traditions, and colorful dances. However, for the Pacific region, NTT holds an even deeper meaning. NTT is one of the regions in Indonesia where Melanesian heritage thrives alongside Austronesian influences—bridging Indonesia’s Southeast Asian heartland with the cultural continuum of the South Pacific.
Ethnographic studies have long noted that the people of Timor, Alor, and Flores share linguistic and genetic ties with the Melanesian peoples of Papua, Vanuatu, and Fiji. This connection is evident in their physical features, oral histories, and traditional arts—remnants of ancient migration routes that crossed the Pacific tens of thousands of years ago. For centuries, these islands have stood as a natural crossroads for Austronesian and Melanesian civilizations.
“This is a golden moment for Indonesian cultural diplomacy. NTT is not a periphery—it is the front porch of Indonesia’s Pacific identity,” said NTT Governor Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena.
By choosing Kupang as the host city, the Indonesian government is consciously making a symbolic gesture: placing the Pacific at the center of Indonesia’s national narrative. Kupang thus becomes more than a host city; it becomes a living metaphor for Indonesia’s ambition to engage with its Pacific neighbors through culture, kinship, and shared heritage.
Indonesia is Part of the Pacific Family
“There is a philosophy of Pacific society that the ocean does not separate us, the ocean connects us. I know each country has their own limitations and also each has advantages. Therefore we have to collaborate and cooperate together. Because as wise men said: If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together. Tonight is not just a dinner, this is the entrance of collaboration, a moment where hearts meet in this room,” said Kupang Mayor Christian Widodo in Kupang City.
According to Christian, the Pacific nations are not simply attending an event in Kupang City, but rather a declaration that Indonesia is part of the Pacific family.
The Indonesia-Pacific Cultural Synergy (IPACS) will take place in two main phases. The first phase is a Cultural Residency Program from November 3 to 10, where dozens of artists, musicians, and cultural practitioners from across the Pacific will live and collaborate with local communities in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). They will learn traditional bamboo crafts in Sikka, study Sasando zither music from Rote Island, and perform the iconic Likurai dance from Belu. This creative exchange is expected to produce joint works that combine Pacific and Indonesian expressions—a true manifestation of cultural synergy.
The second phase is the Main Festival and Summit, which will be held from November 11 to 13 in Kupang. This event will feature ministerial-level dialogues, Pacific cultural exhibitions, public performances, and an academic forum on sustainable cultural cooperation. Representatives from 17 countries have been invited, and according to the National News, ten countries have confirmed their attendance, with at least five sending their culture ministers.
Diplomacy Through Culture
In an era of geopolitical competition reshaping the Indo-Pacific region, cultural diplomacy offers a softer yet equally powerful form of engagement. IPACS 2025 is Indonesia’s response to the need for a people-centered diplomatic approach, particularly in the Pacific, where emotional, spiritual, and cultural ties often take precedence over political rhetoric.
For Indonesia, this event serves multiple strategic purposes. First, it affirms Indonesia’s Pacific identity—reminding the region that the country is not just Southeast Asia but also part of the broader Pacific community. Second, it allows Indonesia to strengthen ties with Melanesian countries, many of which have historical or political interests in the Papuan issue. By emphasizing shared culture and kinship, Indonesia can help change perceptions and narratives about its eastern provinces.
Third, IPACS reinforces the concept of sovereignty through culture. Rather than responding to separatist discourse through political confrontation, Indonesia builds legitimacy through positive engagement. By inviting Vanuatu—often seen as a vocal critic of Indonesia’s policies in Papua—to participate in a festival celebrating Melanesian identity, Jakarta sends a subtle yet profound message: that Indonesia is part of the same family, not an outsider.
The Melanesian Bridge: Reclaiming a Shared Heritage
To understand why this event is so powerful, we must first understand the meaning of Melanesian identity. This term, often associated with Papua, Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands, refers to a cultural group that shares common ancestry, skin color, and a social structure rooted in communal living and respect for nature.
In Indonesia, this heritage extends far beyond Papua. The people of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Maluku, and North Maluku share many Melanesian characteristics, both culturally and genetically. Traditional dances such as Foti from Flores, Caci from Manggarai, or Tebe from Timor all reflect a collective memory of rhythm, spirituality, and unity.
By recognizing this shared heritage, Indonesia challenges the notion that Melanesian identity is limited to Papua. It redefines Melanesia as a continuum that encompasses the Indonesian archipelago—showing that Indonesia’s diversity is not a divide, but rather a bridge to the Pacific world.
From Kupang to the World: Building a Cultural Corridor
Hosting IPACS also represents an opportunity. The festival is expected to stimulate economic growth, tourism, and the creative industry in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Local artists, performers, and small businesses are preparing to welcome thousands of visitors, while the provincial government has committed to improving road infrastructure, the airport, and hotel facilities.
“We want Kupang to be known internationally as a city of culture, not just a city by the sea,” said NTT Governor Melki Laka Lena.
He also emphasized that IPACS should leave a legacy beyond just a ceremonial week. “Through IPACS, we can connect our people with the Pacific—artistically, economically, and spiritually.”
Indeed, the festival’s impact is expected to extend far beyond tourism. The festival is a cultural corridor—a long-term initiative that could lead to arts exchanges, educational collaborations, and cultural diplomacy programs between Indonesia and Pacific nations. If successful, IPACS could become an annual event held in rotation among the eastern Indonesian provinces, transforming the region into a hub for cultural diplomacy in the Pacific Rim.
Navigating Challenges and Hopes
However, the path forward is not without challenges. Kupang, while dynamic, remains a developing city with limited infrastructure. Ensuring accommodation, connectivity, and logistics for 17 international delegates will test the province’s readiness. Furthermore, there is a delicate balance to be struck between authentic representation and performance diplomacy.
Cultural events often risk turning heritage into spectacle; Indonesia must ensure that communities remain the true owners and beneficiaries of their traditions. As local cultural activist Maria Liunora noted, “Our dances are sacred stories, not commodities. We want to share them, but we also want them respected.”
There are also questions of sustainability. Will the enthusiasm surrounding IPACS translate into year-round opportunities for local artists? Will cultural diplomacy lead to real policy cooperation among Pacific nations? These are the long-term steps that will determine the festival’s true success.
The Future of Indonesia and the Pacific
As Kupang harbor prepares to welcome delegates from across the Pacific, the symbolism is powerful. Indonesia, once seen as a distant Asian power, is returning to its oceanic roots—anchored not by politics or power, but by culture and kinship.
In the rhythmic drumbeats and harmonies of the Sasando, we can hear the echoes of a deeper truth: that nations can build understanding not through domination, but through shared identity. IPACS 2025 is more than just a festival—it is a declaration of Indonesia’s tender kinship, an embrace that stretches from the shores of Timor to the Pacific islands.
“From Kupang, we convey to the world that Indonesia is a Pacific nation, a Melanesian nation, a cultured nation. Through our diversity, we unite. Through our culture, we lead,” said East Nusa Tenggara Governor Melki Laka Lena.
And perhaps, when the festival lights dim and the delegates return home, the echoes of Kupang’s music will continue to reverberate across the Pacific—reminding the region that the seas between us are not barriers, but bridges.
Conclusion
IPACS 2025 in Kupang is more than just a cultural festival; it is a strategic declaration of Indonesia’s Pacific identity. By hosting 17 Pacific nations in East Nusa Tenggara—a province deeply rooted in Melanesian heritage—Indonesia is using culture as a form of soft diplomacy to strengthen regional relations, foster understanding, and reassert its sovereign narrative on the world stage.
Kupang’s role as the “Gateway to the East” symbolizes how Indonesia’s diversity is its greatest diplomatic strength. Through art, music, and shared cultural exchange, Indonesia is bridging historical gaps, redefining its relationships with its Pacific neighbors, and projecting unity across the Melanesian world.
Ultimately, IPACS 2025 demonstrates that culture can achieve what politics often cannot: it can connect nations through empathy, kinship, and shared identity. From the shores of Kupang, Indonesia is not only celebrating its heritage—it is also shaping the future of diplomacy in the Pacific.
Sorong, November 2, 2025 – At the eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago, West Papua Province is carving out a proud success story. It’s no longer a shadow of past conflict, but a true story of inclusive development, empowerment of the nation’s people, and full integration with Indonesia. With the spirit of “Torang Bisa”, West Papua is now a vibrant laboratory for national development, proving that Special Autonomy (Otsus) and central government support can transform the region into a new center of growth for Indonesia.
Sorong: Oil City Becomes City of the Future
Once known as an Oil City, Sorong is now transforming into a world-class industrial and tourism city. The Port of Sorong is now the largest logistics terminal in Papua, serving direct routes to Surabaya and Makassar, and even exports to the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. By 2025, the export value of leading commodities such as robusta coffee, cocoa, and seaweed is expected to reach IDR 2.1 trillion—a 68% increase from the previous year.
The West Papua Provincial Government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry, inaugurated the 500-hectare Sorong Industrial Estate (KIS). This area attracts investment from national and foreign companies, including an integrated fish processing plant and an organic coffee packaging center. More than 7,500 local workers are employed, 85% of whom are Indigenous Papuans (OAP) trained through competency-based vocational programs.
Raja Ampat Tourism: From Hidden Paradise to Global Icon
Raja Ampat is no longer a secret. By 2025, tourist arrivals are expected to reach 1.2 million people, a 40% increase from the previous year. Direct flights from Jakarta, Denpasar, and Singapore land at the expanded Domine Eduard Osok Airport. Regional revenue from tourism levies reaches IDR 450 billion, 70% of which is reallocated to coral reef conservation and indigenous community empowerment.
The Marine Tourism Village program in Kabui and Arborek Villages has become a national model. Local residents manage homestays, provide diving guides, and create handicrafts from recycled marine plastic waste. The result? Per capita income for tourist households has increased 300% in three years. “We’re not spectators, we’re destination owners,” said Yance Mayor, a local traditional leader.
Education: Papuan Children Ready to Compete Globally
West Papua proves that access to quality education is not a pipe dream. The University of Papua (UNIPA) in Manokwari now has an A-accredited marine engineering and medical faculty. More than 3,000 indigenous Papuan students receive full scholarships from the Special Autonomy Program (Otsus) and the LPDP (Lembaga Penida Indonesia/LPDP) program. By 2025, UNIPA will graduate 200 fisheries engineers—the highest number in eastern Indonesia.
At the elementary level, the Integrated Customary School (Sekolah Adat Terpadu) program combines the national curriculum with local wisdom. Children learn regional languages, traditional dances, as well as coding and robotics. The result? The dropout rate has dropped from 12% to 3.8% in five years. “We want Papuan children to become doctors, pilots, and entrepreneurs—not just bystanders to development,” stated the Acting Governor of West Papua.
Health and Well-Being: Better, Longer Lives
Regional referral hospitals in Sorong and Manokwari are now equipped with CT scans, cath labs, and telemedicine. The Mobile Specialist Doctor program brings heart and cancer services to remote villages. Life expectancy has risen to 71.2 years, approaching the national average.
The Nusantara Healthy Village initiative in Bintuni Bay has successfully reduced stunting from 32% to 19% in three years. Each village has a smart integrated health post (Posyandu) with an Android-based nutrition monitoring application. Indigenous women are trained as health cadres, demonstrating that health development is a people’s movement.
Green Energy: West Papua a Pioneer in the Energy Transition
Amid the global climate crisis, West Papua has become a laboratory for renewable energy. The Floating Solar Power Plant (PLTS) on Lake Ayamaru (25 MW capacity) and the Micro Hydro Power Plant (MHP) in the Arfak Mountains provide clean electricity to 120,000 households. The Electricity to Villages (Electricity in Villages) program has achieved 98.7% electrification—the highest in Papua.
Collaboration with PLN (State Electricity Company) and private investors has resulted in the Papua Green Energy Corridor, a green transmission line connecting Sorong to Fakfak. “We are not just energy consumers, we are future producers,” said the Director of PLN’s Papua Region.
One Land, One Nation
Behind the grandiose figures and projects, there are human stories. Like Markus Wogaje, a young man from the Moi tribe who is now the manager of a coffee SME in Maybrat. Or Maria Fatem, the first woman from Raja Ampat to become a Garuda Indonesia pilot. They are proof that development in West Papua is about dignity, opportunity, and pride in being Indonesian.
On the 26th anniversary of West Papua Province, the President of the Republic of Indonesia delivered the message: “West Papua is the face of Indonesia’s future—advanced, green, and just.” And the people of West Papua responded with one voice: “We are ready. We can do it!”
West Papua is not a remote province. It is the heart of eastern Indonesia’s development, living proof that with commitment, collaboration, and love for the homeland, every corner of the country can shine.
Manokwari, November 2, 2025 – As an integral part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI), West Papua Province continues to demonstrate rapid progress in development under the auspices of the Indonesian government. Through the Special Autonomy (Otsus) policy and national programs, this region of Papua has undergone significant transformation, from the economic sector to basic infrastructure. On the 26th anniversary of West Papua Province, Governor Dominggus Mandacan emphasized that these development achievements serve as a strong foundation towards the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045. This article explores the positive aspects of pro-people and pro-national integration development.
A Rapidly Growing Economy Boosts Public Welfare
West Papua’s economy is one of the most prominent in the country. In 2024, economic growth reached 20.80 percent, a dramatic jump from 5.18 percent the previous year—the highest national achievement. This positive trend continued in the first semester of 2025, with growth reaching 11.11 percent, driven by the fisheries, agriculture, and creative industries sectors. Bank Indonesia (BI) and the West Papua Provincial Government, through the Papedanomics 2025 forum, are promoting a labor-intensive economic transformation, utilizing natural resources such as capture fisheries and abundant fish farming in the waters of Bintuni Bay.
Furthermore, the 2025 West Papua Local Trade Fair successfully promoted MSMEs, with a focus on local products such as coffee and handicrafts. The 2025 Revised Regional Budget (APBD) allocation of Rp3.77 trillion is focused on the people’s economy, including increasing Regional Original Income (PAD) and the national food self-sufficiency program. The government’s collaboration with local farmers has made West Papua a key pillar of Indonesia’s food security, with a target of increasing rice and horticultural production by 15 percent this year. This progress has not only reduced poverty but also strengthened the Papuan people’s sense of ownership in the nation’s progress.
Modern Infrastructure: Connectivity for Shared Progress
Infrastructure development is a key driver of West Papua’s integration into the national economic map. The President of the Republic of Indonesia recently inaugurated six strategic electricity infrastructure projects, including the 2 x 10 MW Orya Genyem Hydroelectric Power Plant (PLTA) and Mini Hydroelectric Power Plants (PLTMH) in various districts. These projects ensure a stable electricity supply to 99 percent of households, supporting industry and education in remote areas.
In the transportation sector, Siboru Airport in Fakfak was inaugurated as a symbol of commitment to reducing regional disparities. The West Papua Provincial Government has allocated IDR 3.67 trillion for Water Resources (SDA), roads, and bridges, with priority on village infrastructure such as village road access, involving 856 Indigenous Papuan (OAP) entrepreneurs. The 2025-2034 Regional Infrastructure Development Plan (RPIW) targets three main areas: land-sea-air connectivity, development of special economic zones, and disaster mitigation. Acceleration in the four new provinces of Papua, including Southwest Papua, is also a priority for the Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, ensuring equitable and inclusive development. The result? Travel time between districts has been reduced by up to 50 percent, opening up investment opportunities and increasing citizen mobility.
Education and Health: Investments in Superior Human Resources
Education is a key pillar of human development in West Papua. The 2025-2029 Regional Medium-Term Development Planning Conference (Musrenbang) emphasizes regional innovation-based education, with eight strategic programs, such as technology-integrated vocational schools and special autonomy scholarships for Papuan children. The 2025 Regional Budget (APBD) allocated billions of rupiah for school construction and teacher training, resulting in a measurable increase in the Human Development Index (HDI). The province’s 25th anniversary theme, “Healthy, Smart, and Productive West Papua,” reflected this achievement, with the literacy rate rising to 95 percent in urban areas.
The health sector is no less advanced. The BP3OKP (3 Million Houses Development Program Management Agency) program in Southwest Papua ensures access to decent housing and basic healthcare facilities. A commitment to low-carbon development with Konservasi Indonesia strengthens sustainable healthcare services, including vaccinations and integrated integrated health posts (Posyandu). Positive results are evident in the reduction of stunting rates to below 25 percent, thanks to pro-people collaboration between the central and regional governments.
Sustainable Commitment and Local Empowerment
Development in West Papua is not just about numbers, but also about sustainability. The 2025 Regional Development Plan (RKPD) targets improving the quality of life through the revitalization of food regions and new economic growth centers, while preserving forests and ecosystems. The provincial government has fully engaged the indigenous Papuan people, from planning to execution, ensuring that the benefits of Special Autonomy (Otsus) are directly felt by indigenous peoples. This is clear evidence that West Papua is an integral part of a developed, just, and prosperous Indonesia. With this achievement, West Papua is no longer a backward region, but rather a pioneer in the development of eastern Indonesia. Towards 2045, the joint commitment of the central, regional, and people governments will realize a grand dream: a prosperous Papua in the bosom of Mother Earth. Let’s support this positive step for a stronger Indonesia!
Photo of Undius Kogoya’s body circulating on social media
Undius Kogoya, a prominent figure in the West Papua National Armed Criminal Group (KKB), reportedly died in Jae Village, Wandai District, Intan Jaya Regency.
The news of Undius Kogoya’s death was confirmed by Intan Jaya Police Chief, Commissioner Sofian Samakori.
Commissioner Sofian Samakori revealed that Undius died of illness. However, the exact nature of the ailment suffered by this man, who frequently carried out terror attacks, has not yet been confirmed.
“Undius Kogoya reportedly died of illness. There is information that the leader of the Intan KKB died in Wandai,” he said on Thursday, October 23, 2025.
Information about the death of this dangerous KKB figure was also shared by various pro-separatist social media accounts.
“Condolences and Tributes. Intanjaya, October 2025. Brigadier General Undius Kogoya has passed away to God on the Rimba Raya Intanjaya battlefield after a six-month battle with illness. Rest in peace, warrior, defender, and protector of the people and nature of Papua in Rimba Raya Intanjaya, Central Papua. Although colonial Indonesia and oligarchic stakeholders may have insulted your presence on the battlefield, the Papuan people and nation deeply appreciate and respect your service. Your name will be remembered forever as a national hero of the Papuan nation. Honor the service of the fighters for the independence, dignity, and homeland of West Papua,” reads the narrative posted on various social media groups.
This sad news was also conveyed by TPNPB OPM Spokesperson, Sebby Sambom, in a press release from the TPNPB National Commission Headquarters Management on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Sebby officially declared national mourning for all TPNPB troops in 36 regional defense commands and conveyed it to Free Papua diplomats worldwide.
“Brigadier General Undius Kogoya is known as a true warrior and patriot of the Papuan nation. He bravely fought on the battlefield—from Tembagapura, Timika, Intan Jaya, to Paniai—for the cause of Papuan independence,” read the official statement signed by Sebby Sambom.
Undius Kogoya is a leader who is categorized as the most dangerous Armed Criminal Group (KKB), especially in the Intan Jaya Regency area, Central Papua.
The group led by Undius Kogoya operates in the Intan Jaya area. They are also active in other areas such as Paniai Regency and Mimika Regency.
Undius Kogoya
Their crime record follows:
On August 8, 2020, a series of shootings took place in Oesiga Village, Intan Jaya Regency, resulting in no fatalities.
On August 15, 2020, a motorcycle taxi driver was shot in Intan Jaya. Laode Janudin died at the scene.
On August 18, 2020, an excavator was set on fire in Intan Jaya, resulting in a charred structure.
On September 14, 2020, two motorcycle taxi drivers were shot in Sugapa District, Intan Jaya, injuring Laode and Fatur.
On September 17, 2020, a civilian was assaulted in Bilogai Village, Sugapa District, Intan Jaya, resulting in the death of a resident named Badawi.
September 17, 2020, involved in a firefight with personnel from the Hitadipa Apter Task Force in Sugapa Lama Village, resulting in the death of Sergeant Sahlan.
September 18, 2020, Shooting at a plane attempting to evacuate Sergeant Sahlan in Intan Jaya.
October 4, 2020, A shooting incident occurred against a group of the Director of General Crimes and the Mobile Brigade Corps (Brimob) in Sugapa District.
October 5, 2020, A shooting incident occurred with TNI/Polri personnel at the Apter Military District Command (Kodim Apter) in Sugapa District.
October 7, 2020, A shooting by an unknown person against journalist Agustinus Duwitau in Damogoa, resulting in injuries.
October 9, 2020, A shooting at a group of the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Fact-Finding Team in Sugapa District, resulting in the injury of TPF member Bambang, Sergeant Faisal, and Private Ginanjar.
ULMWP Leader Benny Wenda and TPNPB-OPM Spokesperson Sebby Sambom
Papuan separatist groups are indeed quite numerous, both domestically and internationally. The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB-OPM), the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), and the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) possess the strongest bargaining power compared to other separatist groups. Consequently, disputes and power struggles to become the primary leader of Papuan independence are inevitable.
In one instance, when ULMWP leader Benny Wenda sought to become Papua’s primary president, the TPNPB and KNPB strongly rejected his offer, accusing the ULMWP of being backed by foreign capitalists. The ULMWP retaliated, stating that without ULMWP diplomacy abroad, the issue of Papuan independence would remain unknown to the world. The ULMWP even formed its own military group, the West Papua Army, to rival the OPM’s TPNPB.
This power struggle shows us that separatist groups have never fought for the Papuan people. They only pursue their own interests for money and power!
These two groups threaten each other, but who will win this battle?
You should know that what you are reading now is a dark secret of the Papuan independence movement that is not widely known to the public. Behind their efforts to advocate for human rights and the rights of Papuans, they are in reality nothing more than a group of people fighting for money and power, hiding behind the guise of the struggle for Papuan independence.
The shared goal of “separating from Indonesia” does not mean groups like the ULMWP, TPNPB, and KNPB can reconcile and sit together. This situation is further exacerbated by the differing strategies each group pursues in its struggle.
For example, the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), a separatist faction led by Benny Wenda and based abroad, prefers diplomacy and political lobbying on the international stage. This contrasts sharply with the West Papua National Liberation Front (TPNPB) and the West Papua National Liberation Committee (KNPB), which are the military wings of Papuan separatist organizations based domestically (in Papua). To counter the TPNPB-OPM (Free Papua Movement), the ULMWP formed the West Papua Army and claimed that the TPNPB-OPM was subordinate to it.
In its efforts to separate from Indonesia, the ULMWP has raised human rights issues to sell Papua to foreign parties, hindered by human rights violations committed by its TPNPB-OPM and KNPB counterparts. Indeed, research by the University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) indicates that armed separatist groups like the KNPB-OPM and TPNPB have been the largest contributors to violence in Papua over the past 10 years, with a total of 118 cases of violence.
Ironically, to reassure the Papuan people, the TPNPB-OPM (West Papua National Liberation Front) turned against the ULMWP, claiming it was supported by foreign capitalists. The ULMWP has never fought alongside the people in the forest, as the TPNPB-OPM has.
This case alone demonstrates how these groups are not truly fighting for the Papuan nation! They only care about their own interests.
The power struggle became even more apparent when Benny Wenda declared himself president of Papua without consolidating with the TPNPB and the KNPB. This unilateral declaration made the TPNPB-OPM leadership feel violated, and they strongly opposed it, claiming that the ULMWP’s unilateral action was detrimental to the struggle and unity of the Papuan people. This power struggle between separatist factions proves that the struggle for Papuan independence is merely a cover to perpetuate the conflict in Papua. Once again, the people’s security is being risked to escalate the conflict. The more heated the Papuan conflict, the more the issue of Papuan independence resonates, the greater the international attention, coupled with the flow of funds from foreign parties with interests in Papua.
Lamek Alipky Taplo, Commander of the XV Ngalum Kupel Regional Military Command (KODAP)
The Papua Self-Sufficiency Operations Command (KODAP) confirmed that Lamek Alipky Taplo, Commander of the XV Ngalum Kupel Regional Military Command (KODAP), was killed along with three other members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM)Armed Criminal Group (KKB). This occurred during an ambush conducted by TNI personnel from the Papua Self-Sufficiency Operations Command (KOPS) in Kiwirok District, Pegunungan Bintang Regency, on Sunday (10/19).
The military operation was a follow-up to intelligence reports confirming the activities of the KKB-OPM armed group under the leadership of Lamek Taplo, known for carrying out terror, extortion, and intimidation against civilians in the country’s border areas.
“This step is part of the effort to restore security stability in the national border region, particularly in the Kiwirok District,” stated Lieutenant Colonel Renaldy, Territorial Intelligence Assistant (Asintelter) for the Papua Swasembada Operations Command (Kops Swasembada), in a written statement on Monday (October 20).
He emphasized that Lamek Alipky Taplo is known as one of the most active, radical, and sadistic KKB-OPM leaders in the Pegunungan Bintang region. Since 2020, his group has been recorded as carrying out various acts of violence. Worse, this group has not only attacked security forces but also killed many civilians.
Koops Swasembada noted that Lamek’s group has caused six fatalities and eight serious injuries, as well as extensive damage, including the burning of seven public facilities and six units of heavy equipment. The impact of this violence has completely paralyzed government activities, education, and health services in the Kiwirok region.
Following the operation that killed Lamek Taplo and three of his men, security conditions in Kiwirok District have reportedly returned to normal. Joint TNI-Polri (Indonesian National Armed Forces) personnel continue to conduct routine patrols at several strategic locations to anticipate potential further security disturbances. “The death of Lamek Alipky Taplo is a significant blow to the KKB-OPM structure in the Pegunungan Bintang region. This demonstrates the TNI’s commitment to ensuring the security of border communities,” said Lieutenant Colonel Renaldy.
He emphasized that the Papua Swasembada Koops will continue to carry out measured, professional, and sustainable operations to ensure security stability throughout Papua, especially in vulnerable areas like Kiwirok and its surroundings. “Our ultimate goal is to create a safe, peaceful, and prosperous Papua. There is no place for armed groups that continue to disturb the community,” concluded Lieutenant Colonel Renaldy.
Some of the violent actions of the Lamek Alipky Taplo group:
Attacking Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and Indonesian National Police (Polri) personnel at various locations (throughout 2022–2025)
Shooting down a helicopter carrying humanitarian aid (October 2025)
Burning down a school, church, and community health center in Kiwirok District (October 2025)
The various acts of violence carried out by Lamek Alipky Taplo and his group have drawn strong condemnation from various Papuan community leaders.
Yulianus Tabuni, a community leader in the mountainous region, believes that Lamek Taplo and his group’s actions have deviated significantly from the values of the struggle.
“This isn’t a struggle. This is a crime against our own people. Innocent women, who simply want to live in peace, have become victims. The KKB-OPM Kodap XV must stop spreading fear,” Yulianus asserted in Wamena.
Similarly, Pastor Markus Murib, a church leader in the Central Highlands, believes that armed action against civilians is a loss of moral and humanitarian direction.
“God never taught us to destroy others, let alone shoot helpless women. This is a grave sin. We continue to pray that the Papuan people will be free from this kind of violence,” he said.
The repeated waves of violence have made the Papuan people increasingly fed up.
Yulianus Tabuni emphasized that the people now simply want to live in peace, work, and see their children go to school without fear.
“We want to live safely. We want our children to go to school, not to continue hiding in the forest for fear of being shot,” he said hopefully.
The community is also urging the central government and security forces to strengthen protection for civilians and take firm action against armed groups that continue to disrupt peace in Papua.
The violence perpetrated by Lamek Alipky Taplo’s group adds to the long list of suffering experienced by residents in the Papuan interior. Attacks on mothers and refugees have left not only physical wounds but also deep trauma for the community.
In this situation, all elements of the nation are reminded that peace in Papua will never be achieved through bullets and hatred, but through love, dialogue, and protection for the common people who have suffered the most.
Melani Wamea, OAP who worked as a teacher in Holuwon Village, Holuwon District, Yahukimo, was killed by the KKB
Disclaimer: This article belongs to Nanda Rahmania, a writer at Kompasiana.com, with additional modifications to the facts surrounding the KKB-OPM’s criminal actions until mid-October 2025.
The brutal terrorist attack by an armed criminal group (KKB) killed Melani Wamea, a female teacher in Yahukimo, in the Papua Highlands. Melani was assaulted by the KKB while she was about to plant a tree with a group of teachers and students.
Melani Wamea is an Indigenous Papuan (OAP). The incident occurred in Holuwon Village, Holuwon District, Yahukimo on Friday (10/10). At the time, the victim, along with fellow teachers and students, was about to plant trees in the hilly area around the school.
When the group of teachers and students arrived at the location, a student saw two unknown individuals carrying machetes and arrows at the bottom of the hill. The two men were suspected of attempting to block the road.
“The witness then descended the hill to verify the information. However, on the way, the witness heard groans and cries for help from the bottom of the hill,” said Yahukimo Police Chief, AKBP Zet Saalino.
The cries for help apparently came from the victim, who was already in critical condition. “The witness immediately administered first aid and sought assistance so the victim could be evacuated. The victim and the witness were successfully evacuated by MAF aircraft from Holuwon District to Wamena,” he explained.
The victim was then flown to Jayapura for treatment at Bhayangkara Hospital. However, the victim’s life could not be saved. He was already dead on arrival at the hospital.
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The atrocities of the terror-spreading gangs of the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) have long been known. They have murdered teachers, massacred residents, slaughtered motorcycle taxi drivers, and burned down schools where Papuan children learn to build their futures.
“Like a family, the leaders of the Papuan terror groups are nothing more than the kind of people who would deceive their own family members,” said Nurkhasanah, Chair of the Indonesian Student and Millennial Alliance (AMMI), on Friday (May 7, 2021).
If the leaders of the KKB terror groups were like fathers and husbands in a family, they would be the kind of husbands who would willingly abuse their responsibilities for personal gain. “If we compare them to fathers, they are the kind of fathers who don’t care about their children, as long as their personal gain is met,” Nurkhasanah said.
The AMMI Chairperson pointed to the story of Tenius Tebuni, a former member of the KKB terror group who for years followed the terror group on its heinous adventures terrorizing Papuans. Fortunately, Nurkhasanah said, Tenius Tebuni, a member of the KKB terror group from the Rambo Lokbere group led by Egianus Kogoya, eventually came to his senses.
Like a possessed person whose spirit has been exorcised, Tebuni has now returned to the bosom of the Republic of Indonesia and declared his repentance. “He said that after years of witnessing the cruelty of his group, his heart cried out every time he witnessed the torture and cruelty their group inflicted on civilians,” said Nurkhasanah.
“It’s not just Papuans who are immigrants, but also indigenous Papuans, who share the same dark skin and curly hair, who are unable to help them because of their poverty. What more cruelty could there be, if people would do such things to their own helpless neighbors?” she added.
According to Nurkhasanah, the indigenous Papuans recruited by the KKB terror gangs, like Tenius Tebuni, are not the type with arbitrary intentions. They are simple people whose concerns are limited to basic needs.
“Tenius said they were recruited by the KKB terrorists with promises of sufficient food, cigarettes, and money. However, as time went on, none of these promises were ever fulfilled. Most of the leaders of the KKB terror gangs turned out to be liars and tricksters. Instead of the promised adequate food, cigarettes continued to smoke like a train, and they often starved in the forest, lacking supplies,” she said.
Hunger and a greater appetite for these promises, according to Nurkhasanah, as admitted by Tenius Tebuni, apparently made them blind when the Papuans they extorted and threatened failed to satisfy their demands. Ultimately, as reported in the media, the KKB terrorist group became increasingly ruthless, cruel, and brutal.
“They shot people, killed at will, and Tebuni screamed, tormented by the suffering of his fellow Papuans. Fortunately, God gave him a conscience,” said Nurkhasanah.
The AMMI leader also hopes that more Tebunis will realize that what they are doing is merely pursuing a mirage while continuing to accumulate sins.
Indeed, more and more KKB members are coming to their senses and returning to the bosom of Mother Earth. Last Tuesday (May 5), for example, according to news shared on the official Instagram account of the National Police Public Relations Division, a group of former KKB combatants led by the Governor of the Federal Republic of West Papua (NRFPB), Alex Hamberi, and 17 other members of his group re-embraced the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Alex descended the mountain, leading his members to Sima Village, Your District, Nabire Regency, Papua, to sign a statement pledging allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia. In addition to these individuals, five other members were unable to attend but followed their comrades in returning to the fold of the Republic of Indonesia.
Nurkhasanah stated that the surrender of several NRFPB members was due to the tireless efforts of the Nemangkawi Task Force and the Nabire Police Intelligence Unit, who conducted outreach and mobilization. As a result, the group wholeheartedly, without pressure or coercion, declared their end to their adventures and withdrew from the terror activities of the Papuan KKB terrorist group.
“So, it’s only natural that AMMI expresses its appreciation and respect for all the ongoing good deeds carried out by the Indonesian National Police (Polri) and Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in Papua. They are special individuals with sincere hearts, able to persevere in providing good deeds even though they are underappreciated domestically, while in Papua there are groups that continue to subject them to slander and hatred,” Nurkhasanah concluded.
The Melanesia Indonesia 