Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Jayapura (Agenzia Fides) – A “kairos” - a “moment of truth” - for a reflection on the continuing degeneration of respect for human rights in Indonesian Papua: this is what various Indonesian Christian leaders are proposing, since a new governor will be elected in the troubled region in the coming months. Observers note undemocratic and non-transparent mechanisms in the electoral process (in fact the central government controls the appointment), which have also generated legal disputes.
In a heartfelt speech sent to Fides, the Christian leaders of the Protestant, Evangelical and Baptist Churches in Papua note “the failure of the Government in promoting the development of indigenous communities”, despite Law No. 21/2001 which concedes a “Special Autonomy for Papua”. As Church leaders, we are deeply concerned about the condition of our people, especially the indigenous owners of the land: their fate has been relegated to uncertainty because of the development policies promoted by the Indonesian Government.”
The application of Special Autonomy has been, according to the leaders, “inconsistent and incoherent” and is a sign of insincerity of the Government which has led the people of Papua to speak of its “complete failure”. The Parliamentary Assembly itself is considered “an insult to people, created in God's image”, while the position of the de facto Government “annihilates the rights and the very existence of indigenous in their homeland.”
Christian leaders see this moment as a “favourable opportunity” to speak out: firstly they note the repetition of the ancient dynamics and problems of democracy and legality. The leaders point out, moreover, the history of suffering by the local peoples, which some observers have defined as “genocide”, noting the willingness of the Government in Jakarta to take everything – with internal migration programs - the life, rights, development and social advancement of indigenous communities. The Papuans are considered “second class citizens” and are in fact marginalised and discriminated against.
The leaders say they are ready to accompany the suffering of the people, in a biblical and theological perspective: “The Lord sends us to stand by the people in its dark history of suffering and oppression.” To do this, they note, is an integral part of the mission to proclaim the Good News of the Gospel of Christ.
This is why Christians are asking the Government in Jakarta to stop the electoral process, which is not transparent, and untangle the existing knots, open an authentic dialogue with indigenous communities, ensuring respect for their fundamental rights.
Papua, a former Dutch colony, was annexed by Indonesia in the early '60s, without the consent of the local population. Since then, the protests and separatist unrest haven't stopped. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 1/3/2011)
