Jayapura, 9 August 2024 – Prominent youth figure in Papua Province, Absalom Kreway Yerisitouw, who also serves as Chair of the Papua Province Setya Kita Pancasila (SKP), gave a firm appeal to all levels of society, especially millennials, so as not to be easily provoked by invitation to a demonstration planned for August 15 2024. It is feared that this demonstration could disrupt order and peace in the Land of Papua.
In his statement delivered on Friday (9/8/2024) in Jayapura, Absalom said that the call for a demonstration that questioned the legitimacy of Papua as a province in the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) was a step that did not respect the history of the nation’s struggle. He emphasized that currently, the Papuan people are enjoying independence and various benefits from the Special Autonomy (Otsus) policy provided by the government.
“We have all lived in peace and harmony with various activities and work. Don’t just because of irresponsible calls for demonstrations, we are carried away by wrong interests,” said Absalom, who also serves as Deputy Chair of the Jayapura Regency Red and White Front.
Furthermore, Absalom emphasized that Papua has been an inseparable part of the Republic of Indonesia for decades, where the people live in harmony with fellow citizens of the archipelago. The government, according to him, continues to strive to develop Papua and provide broad opportunities for Papuan children to work in various sectors, including in government agencies and State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN).
“Is all this not the government’s effort to advance Papuan human resources? This is the best thing. Why should we be nostalgic for past stories that are just stories? Let us all unite to reject false invitations, prepare ourselves with education so that we can be free from ignorance ,” added Absalom.
As an alternative solution, Absalom suggested that if there are problems or cases that need to be discussed, it should be done through scientific discussions or meetings that can provide enlightenment, not through demonstrations that have the potential to disrupt public order.
“It would be a good idea for us to hold a prayer together or have a scientific discussion so that we can better understand history. The land of Papua is already independent within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia, now it’s just a matter of how we work,” concluded Absalom in his appeal.
With this statement, it is hoped that the Papuan people will be wiser in responding to the existing situation and together maintain peace on the Earth of Cenderawasih.
