- VIVAnews/Ikhwan Yanuar
VIVAnews – President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) said that the government has been serious in making attempts to advance the Papuans. He called for a number of NGOs who have often criticized government policies on Papua to be fair.
“We have changed our core policies regarding Papua from security approach to prosperity approach. It is not just another lip service, but we are in the middle of the efforts, and we have big budget,” said the President today, Jan 20.
The government’s determination to prosper Papuans, said SBY, has been declared in the UN court and also to other world leaders. “We will continue conducting fair economy program (in Papua). We have established an agency (to execute the program),” stated SBY.
He added that there exists an internal issue in Papua which “cannot be revealed to the international world.” SBY also admitted that there is still separatism in Papua. “Shootings still take place. Separatist elements also exist. The world needs to be aware of this,” he said.
These things, explained SBY, are the reasons behind the presence of the Indonesian Military and Police in Papua.
“The Indonesian military have the responsibility to maintain sovereignty in Papua,” he stated.
However, SBY said the government will not carry out any excessive or repressive actions towards Papuans.
SBY also asked NGOs to be fair in assessing the issues in Papua.
“It makes no sense if an NGO acts as if it prohibits us from enforcing law and security in Papua,” he said. “The most important thing is that (TNI/Police) takes their responsibility without violating the law and human rights,” SBY said.
He emphasized Papua as a legitimate and an integral part of Indonesia. SBY also said that if US military can enforce their military power in other countries, than TNI can also use their power in our own nation to uphold Indonesia’s sovereignty.
