August 18, 2026 | 07:52 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai emphasized that the people of Papua are permitted to demand welfare, justice, and their rights, but they may not demand independence for Papua from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
According to him, voicing aspirations and advocating for solutions to community issues remains permissible as long as it is done through lawful and constitutional means.
"What is not allowed is declaring, 'We want independence; let us break away from Indonesia.' That is forbidden. Other demands are permissible and pose no problem, provided they are pursued correctly—advocating for people in a way protected by law and grounded in a clear legal basis," Pigai said during a working visit to the Central Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPRD) in Nabire on Monday evening (August 17).
He stated that demanding a life of welfare, justice, prosperity, and health for the Papuan people is, in fact, part of fulfilling the constitutional mandate that must be championed.
Therefore, the public need not fear raising issues of injustice, provided there is a legal basis and the actions are carried out through legitimate mechanisms.
"However, if you are calling for the Papuan people to be prosperous, treated fairly, and healthy, you are actually upholding the mandate of the 1945 Constitution. That is something that must be fought for through both words and deeds. Never be afraid to speak out against injustice," he said.
Pigai encouraged the public and legislators in Central Papua to prioritize evidence-based advocacy by gathering facts, data, information, and documentation regarding the issues faced by the community.
He noted that complaints supported by evidence could be processed through legal mechanisms, potentially leading to binding court rulings.
"I say this because I am here in a conflict zone. If I were in the provincial capital, I wouldn't know the details. The goal here is to help protect the community and ensure justice for them," he said.
He also assessed that access to justice needs to be strengthened by bringing law enforcement institutions closer to communities in conflict-affected areas.
Pigai mentioned that he had received proposals to establish prosecutor's offices to serve the Paniai area and its surroundings, as well as the Puncak Jaya and Mulia areas and their vicinities. However, he noted that the presence of the prosecutor's office, the police, and the courts must be balanced by the strength of civil society and advocates capable of supporting citizens in fighting for their rights.
"The fact is, there will always be judges, prosecutors, and police. But who, then, stands up for the public? Who are the lawyers? Who provides the advocacy?" he asked.
Natalius Pigai emphasized that strengthening public advocacy does not run counter to the state, provided it is conducted within the framework of the law. In fact, he encourages the emergence of more champions of justice, truth, and humanity in Papua.
"As long as we have a voice, we must at least have the courage to speak out. Let more champions of justice, truth, and humanity emerge in Papua. If we compete to produce such advocates for humanity, the sun of justice will rise, starting from Central Papua," he said.
Read: Two Civilians Shot at Baliem Valley Festival in Papua
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