Jayapura – The Minister of Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia, Natalius Pigai, emphasized that human rights education (HAM) in Papua must be based on the cultural values and local wisdom of the local community. According to him, this approach is important so that the understanding of human rights can be fully and sustainably accepted by all levels of Papuan society.
This was conveyed by Natalius Pigai when giving information to reporters at the Cenderawasih University Campus (Uncen), Jayapura, Monday (19/1). On that occasion, Pigai assessed that Cenderawasih University has a strategic role as a center for the development of intelligent, competitive, and dignified Papuan human resources.
According to Pigai, Uncen is an important partner of the government in building human rights awareness systematically and sustainably. He hopes that human rights values can be instilled in the academic environment, so that it gives birth to a Papuan generation that upholds human dignity and has a strong civilization.
“From this campus, human rights values must be instilled. Strong human rights education will give birth to a generation that is dignified, civilized, and able to maintain social harmony in Papua,” he said.
Pigai also emphasized his commitment to ground human rights in all areas of Papua which includes six provinces, namely Papua Province, West Papua, Southwest Papua, South Papua, Central Papua, and Papua Mountains.
“I want to ground human rights throughout Papua. The land of Papua that I mean is six provinces. At least we build human rights awareness, human rights education, and human rights knowledge for all Papuan people, anyone and anywhere,” said Pigai.
He added, the mainstreaming of human rights should not be elitist or limited to certain groups, but must reach the entire Papuan people while still respecting the values of local customs, culture, and wisdom that have lived and been passed down from generation to generation.
Through collaboration between the central government, local government, and higher education institutions such as Cenderawasih University, Pigai is optimistic that human rights education in Papua can be a strong foundation for the creation of a fair, peaceful, and dignified social life in the future.
