Egi Adyatama, Jakarta – Director executive of Lokataru Foundation Mufti Makarim opined that the government was still focusing on implementing the economic and infrastructure-based approach in Papua. Referring to the study results by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), Mufti agreed that the core problem in the region was the absence of dialogue.

"Papuan people are so far deemed as objects, not subjects, including about their own interests and interests as a nation. Their aspirations are considered secondary, not primary ones," said Mufti when met at Wahid Hasyim area, Central Jakarta, Monday, October 28.

When racial incidents and discrimination against Papuan students in Surabaya broke out, Mufti observed that the government had failed to make responses. The infrastructure development program that was advertised for the last five years proved to have not brought resolution.

Moreover, there was no good intention from the government to unveil the severe human rights cases in the country's easternmost province. Such cases were set aside as they occurred in the past, while it could be a precedent for the future of Papuans.

Mufti assessed that Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD's plan to establish a Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) could be realized. This would be at least the government's goodwill in seriously solving problems in Papua.

"This will be a positive move if it [the commission] is formed. We have a new road map on the matter of upholding human rights. Whatever the output is for Papuans, what is clear is that they must be invited for dialogue," Mufti said.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1265697/lokataru-papua-needs-dialogue-not-economic-approach