Editorial: The Start of a New Narrative in Papua

For many years now, Papua has seen more than its share of violence. The country’s easternmost province remains one of the poorest despite billions of dollars being poured into it. A small group of separatists has waged a long war against the state and Jakarta has struggled to bring peace and development to the region.

This may change if the newly elected Papuan governor, Lukas Enembe, is true to his word. He has promised to form a special team to solve the conflict and end the violence as soon as he is inaugurated.

Lukas said that the team, expected to work during his first 100 days in office, would comprise multi-stakeholders so as to absorb differing views on how to solve the protracted problem, which he said had its roots in high unemployment, poverty, underdevelopment, as well as pro-independence and anti-government sentiments.

The team, he noted, will also talk to the opposition as well as pro-independence groups to find common ground. Given his strong mandate at the ballot box, he has the support of Papuans to move ahead with this plan.

If he is to succeed, he must incorporate strong economic development plans into his efforts to deliver peace to the region. Money is not a problem. The central government has disbursed trillion of rupiahs to Papua since it was declared a special autonomous zone in 2001. Last year alone, Papua received Rp 28.5 trillion ($3 billion).

The challenge for Lukas is to work with the central government to draw up viable development plans and implement them. He must attract private investments from other parts of the country so as to create well-paying jobs for Papuans.

Eradicating poverty and raising living standards are the key to ending the cycle of violence in Papua. Talking to the opposition will certainly help, but the litmus test is whether Papuans see hope of a better life for themselves and their children.

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