Many of them also do not understand the political motives of why they have to live in PNG with an unclear status.
By
Agustinus Wibowo
·5 minutes read
AGUSTINUS WIBOWO
Mass at Kiunga Catholic Church, Papua, New Guinea. The complex is also used for meetings between the Indonesian government and Indonesian Papuan refugees in PNG.
When I was in Kiunga, an entourage of the Papuan provincial government, accompanied by the Indonesian consulate general in Vanimo, visited Papuan refugees in Kiunga with the aim of persuading them to return to Indonesia.
I was invited by Pastor Masjon Kenedy from Flores to witness the meeting between representatives of the Indonesian government and a number of refugees held at the Kiunga Catholic Church.
These refugees are people without identity. Most of them migrated from Indonesian Papua to Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1984. However, not all of them are OPM activists. Many of them also do not understand the political motives of why they have to live in PNG with an unclear status.
There is only one official UN-recognized refugee camp, namely in Iowara. Meanwhile, the majority of refugees, living in camps along the border, are people without status, without legal protection, without social security.
During the meeting, the Indonesian Consul, Jahar Gultom, first thanked Bishop Gilles Cote, a Frenchman who had been serving in the Western Province for 43 years. “I respect you because you also take care of our people in Kiunga. And, thanks to Papua New Guinea, for treating our people well," said the consul.
He heard reports that many refugees wanted to go home because they wanted to be buried in their Papua hometown.
The consul referred to the refugees as “our people”, as Indonesians. He also said Pegunungan Bintang regency had already built some infrastructure and was ready to welcome the 5,000 former refugees who came from the PNG side. He heard reports that many refugees wanted to go home because they wanted to be buried in their Papua hometown.
“Now in Indonesia we have a new perspective and vision. We have implemented special autonomy, I hope you can help us to provide understanding for our people here,” the consul added.
“As a church, we cannot get involved in politics. We can only help from a social perspective. With regard to repatriation, it\'s the freedom of choice for each of them," replied the Bishop with a gentle smile.
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The Papuan refugees have three options: to be sent back to Indonesia, to live in the Iowara refugee camp or to integrate with the local PNG population.
AGUSTINUS WIBOWO
The atmosphere of the Indonesian Government meeting with Indonesian Papuan refugees in Kiunga, PNG.
"Indonesia\'s position is, if they want to come home, we will accept them with open arms," said the consul.
One of the participants in the meeting was a 24-year-old man named Steven Dude. He stood up from his seat and enthusiastically said, “Land is our mother, we want to go home, but we have to understand the situation there. We are afraid our race will be wiped out. Is there a way to maintain our identity in autonomy?”
The Indonesian consul said, “You have to see Papua for yourself. We will facilitate you to go there.”
“All news about Indonesia is negative. We are still gripped by fear." Steven said in an increasingly high tone.
At that moment a female official from Papua province spoke up. She is the head of the Agency for Papua Province Border and Foreign Cooperation, Suzana Wanggai.
“Have you ever heard of Wanggai? Mr. Thomas Wanggai? That\'s my grandfather." Ibu Suzana\'s voice trembled as she was holding back tears.
On 14 December 1988, about 60 people gathered at the Mandala Stadium, Jayapura, to attend a ceremony for the reading of the "OPM Proclamation". The flag that was flown was not the morning star, but a new flag designed by the reader of the proclamation, Thomas Wanggai. He proclaimed the establishment of the state of "West Melanesia".
AGUSTINUS WIBOWO
Sebagian peserta pertemuan antara Pemerintah Indonesia dengan pengungsi Papua Indonesia di Kiunga, PNG.
Thomas Wanggai was the most highly educated supporter of the OPM at the time, holding a doctorate in law and public administration from Japan and the United States. Wanggai was later sentenced to 20 years in prison and died in prison in 1996.
“But Indonesia is changing now. Now, I, I am Suzana Wanggai,” — she held her own chest — “My father is Wanggai from Ambai village. I am Wanggai” — she touched his curly hair — “I am Wanggai” — she pointed to her slightly dark skin — “Like you. You are Papuan, I am Papuan.”
Ibu Suzana\'s eyes were getting teary. “I don\'t want to persuade you because it\'s your choice. Life is a choice. But I am Wanggai. All Wanggai used to be blacklisted by the Indonesian government.”
He gulped for a moment. "But that was then. Now it\'s changed. In 2001 we got special autonomy. So, dear younger brothers and sisters, let me tell you, we now have special autonomy. Indeed I am now with the Indonesian government. But look at me as an elder sister." Suzana said as she continued to wipe her tears, until finally she couldn\'t speak anymore.
AGUSTINUS WIBOWO
Meeting between the Government of Indonesia and Indonesian Papuan refugees in Kiunga, PNG.
Meeting closed. Some went home with beaming faces and claimed the meeting was a big success. Some hoped for a beautiful change. Others grumbled, saying it was all a ploy.
