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Papuan People Can Demand Anything Except Independence, Says Human Rights Minister
🇮🇩 Indonesia /Elections & Politics

Papuan People Can Demand Anything Except Independence, Says Human Rights Minister

From CNN Indonesia · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that Papuan people can demand anything except independence from Indonesia.
  • Pigai emphasized that demands for welfare, justice, and rights are permissible if pursued through legal and constitutional means.
  • He urged for evidence-based advocacy and strengthening legal institutions to support the Papuan people's pursuit of justice.

Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has asserted that the people of Papua are free to pursue any demands except independence from Indonesia. Pigai clarified that aspirations for welfare, justice, and rights are legitimate as long as they are channeled through legal and constitutional frameworks.

What is not allowed is to say 'We want to be independent, separate from Indonesia.' That is not allowed. Other things are permissible, no problem, as long as it's done the right way.

— Natalius PigaiMinister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai explaining the boundaries of acceptable demands from the Papuan people.

"What is not allowed is to say 'We want to be independent, separate from Indonesia.' That is not allowed. Other things are permissible, no problem, as long as it's done the right way," Pigai stated during a working visit to the Central Papua DPRD in Nabire. He stressed that advocating for a prosperous, just, and healthy life for Papuans aligns with the 1945 Constitution and should be pursued without fear.

Pigai encouraged the public and legislators in Central Papua to prioritize evidence-based advocacy, gathering facts, data, and documentation to support their claims. He noted that complaints backed by evidence can proceed through legal mechanisms, leading to binding court decisions. "This is because I am in a conflict area. If I were in the provincial capital, I wouldn't know the details. This is to help protect the people, to provide justice to the people," he added.

But if you ask the people of Papua to be prosperous, just, prosperous, and healthy, you are actually carrying out the mandate of the 1945 Constitution. That must be fought for with words and deeds. Never be afraid to state injustice.

— Natalius PigaiMinister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai encouraging the pursuit of well-being for Papuans.

The minister also highlighted the need to bring law enforcement institutions closer to communities in conflict zones to strengthen access to justice. He mentioned receiving proposals for establishing prosecutor's offices to serve the Paniai and Puncak Jaya regions. However, Pigai stressed that the presence of legal institutions must be complemented by a strong civil society and advocates to assist citizens in fighting for their rights.

This is because I am in a conflict area. If I were in the provincial capital, I wouldn't know the details. This is to help protect the people, to provide justice to the people.

— Natalius PigaiMinister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai explaining his presence and understanding of local issues in Central Papua.

"The question is, judges will be there, prosecutors will be there, police will be there. Now, who will defend the people? Who are their lawyers? Who will advocate for them?" Pigai asked. He affirmed that strengthening public advocacy is not anti-state if conducted lawfully, and he encouraged more defenders of justice, truth, and humanity to emerge in Papua.

The question is, judges will be there, prosecutors will be there, police will be there. Now, who will defend the people? Who are their lawyers? Who will advocate for them?

— Natalius PigaiMinister of Human Rights Natalius Pigai highlighting the need for legal advocates for the Papuan people.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNN Indonesia in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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