Jakarta – Indonesia is seeking a more comprehensive approach to deal with the longstanding conflict in the easternmost provinces of Papua and West Papua. Chief of Staff to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Moeldoko, conveyed the message during a meeting with the newly appointed New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia Kevin Burnett, at the Bina Graha Building, Jakarta, Tuesday (4/1).
“The Indonesian government understands that the conflict in Papua should not only be solved with a military approach,” said Moeldoko. “A comprehensive and integrated approach is much more prioritized, because we have to abolish poverty and some underlying problems in education and health sectors. This is important for Indonesia,”.
For this reason, he continued, the government has issued Presidential Instruction No. 9/2020 on Accelerating Welfare Development in Papua and West Papua Provinces whose program is led by Vice President Ma’ruf Amin.
However, Moeldoko also regretted the recent turmoil in Papua as armed groups have started attacking public facilities such as schools and hospitals, as well as targeting attacks on teachers and doctors.
While it is hard to overlook the dreadful situation, the Indonesian government has put their commitment in sending troops to Papua only for the sake of border security. They were sent there to assist the police in creating law and order in the region, he said. Moeldoko denied any military operation conducted in the provinces.
“When I was still the Indonesian Military Commander, I told my soldiers to put their weapons on their back, instead, put hoes in front. That means the welfare approach should be put above all,” continued the former TNI Commander.
The soldiers are also expected to turn difficult situations to a more stable and peaceful environment, for example by providing learning and health assistance for Papuans.
Meanwhile, Kevin Burnett took up his post as the New Zealand Ambassador to Indonesia in September 2021. Prior to serving as Ambassador, Kevin completed 35 years’ service as an officer in the New Zealand military forces.
“Mr Moeldoko’s explanation is very useful and we really appreciate the efforts made by the Indonesian government in addressing the Papua issue. I plan to directly visit Papua to have a dialogue with the people there,” said Kevin.
New Zealand and Indonesia reaffirmed their bilateral relations by signing the 9th Joint Ministerial Commission (JMC) in July 2020. In the signed Plans of Action document, the two countries agreed to map a clear direction on their partnership for the period of five years.
