Cermin Bangsa, Jayapura – Chairman of Nahdatul Ulama (NU) of Papua Province DR H Tonny Wanggai believes that the establishment of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) is a final or undisputed agreement of the best sons and daughters of Papua together with youth from various regions in Indonesia.
"The embryo of the founding of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia is because the role of youth who came from various regions in Indonesia and has agreed to join the 1928 Youth Pledge, including from Papua," said Tonny Wanggai in Jayapura, Papua, Friday (9/15/2017).
This statement was deliberately made by one of the academics at the renowned campus in Jayapura to assert to the youth of Cendrawasih Land that their role is very important in the present struggle by becoming actors in development in every field.
"So, reflecting on the sons and daughters of Papua who had long pledged to become one nusa [archipelago], one nation and one country of Indonesia in 1928 in Jakarta," he said.
According to him, it is worth noting that since October 28, 1928, the best sons and daughters of Papua were also involved in the Youth Pledge.
"This can be known through the parents [father and mother] of Ramses Ohee who now serves as Chairman of Barisan Merah Putih (BMP) [Red-White Front] of Papua, and also my grandfather, Mr. Atai Karubaba participated in the Youth Pledge on October 28, 1928 in Jakarta," he said.
This proves that since 1928 before independence until 1945, Papuan sons and daughters have also struggled in establishing the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, and some of the names of those who are now appointed as national heroes are Frans Kaisepo, Silas Papare, Marten Indey and Abraham Dimara.
"These four people indicated there are Indonesian heroes from Papua, it is a historical evidence that the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia stands on the involvement of Papuan figures at that time," he said.
Another history recorded legally on November 19, 1969, out of the UN resolution that Papua, which was then West Irian, was part of the legitimate Republic of Indonesia. It is supported by many foreign countries and no one refuses, one of them from Egypt.
Papua now has the privilege of special autonomy, which aims to accelerate development in all fields so that it is the full authority to manage the existing wealth with full responsibility and wisdom.
"We become leaders in our own country, I think that's the best solution for the people of Papua," he said. (*)