Jayapura – Deputy Chairman II of the Papuan People’s Council (MRP), Max Abner Ohee, has called on Papua’s younger generation to view Indonesia’s Independence Day as an opportunity to improve their capabilities and contribute to development in Papua and the country as a whole.
Ohee said that independence should not merely be commemorated through ceremonies and celebrations, but should be reflected in the daily actions of young people. Papua’s youth, he said, have an important role in shaping the region’s development and future.
He encouraged students and university students to make the most of available opportunities by pursuing education seriously, developing their skills, and strengthening their potential in their respective fields. Such efforts, he said, represent concrete ways for the younger generation to contribute to the country’s independence.
Ohee also emphasized the importance of maintaining unity, tolerance, and harmonious social relations amid Papua’s diverse communities. A peaceful and secure environment, he said, is an important foundation for sustainable development, education, and economic activities.
He expressed hope that the 81st anniversary of Indonesia’s Independence Day on August 17, 2026, would inspire Papua’s youth to become productive, creative, and socially responsible members of society. The spirit of the nation’s founders and previous generations, he said, should be continued through work and achievements that benefit the wider community.
Ohee noted that the form of struggle for today’s younger generation is different from that of previous generations. While independence was once fought for through sacrifices to defend the nation, young people today can carry that struggle forward by improving the quality of human resources, strengthening national unity, and contributing to the development of Papua and Indonesia.
