Andi Hajramurni, Makassar, South Sulawesi – Students from Papua and West Papua studying in Makassar, South Sulawesi, have protested the central government's decision to create the Special Unit of Development Acceleration in Papua and West Papua (UP4B), saying the institution would not solve problems, but would instead create new ones.

The students said UP4B would end up like the special autonomy program granted to both provinces by providing opportunities for corruption to a small group of people rather than solving problems faced by Papuans.

Students grouped in the Students Solidarity Forum for Papuan People in Makassar staged a rally on Monday in front of the Western Papua Liberation Theater Monument in Makassar. The students demanded a tri-partite dialogue between the central government, Amnesty International and the Papuan people to solve problems in Papua.

"UP4B will fail, just like special autonomy, because it will not solve Papuan problems," said rally leader Tarsius Pimsokom. "Papuan problems are not just welfare or money. Therefore, we reject it."

The students said there was cultural bleeding in Papua caused by central government policies. (nvn)