JakartaPost-July 10
Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has affirmed his readiness to oversee development and address ongoing human rights issues in Papua, as he prepares to lead the Special Autonomy Acceleration Board in accordance with existing legal mandates. The law tasks the Vice President with overseeing the coordination, evaluation and harmonization of autonomy and development programs in the country’s easternmost province. When asked whether he would establish an office in Papua, Gibran said he was open to working from any location, be it Jakarta, Papua, or Nusantara in East Kalimantan, the country’s future capital where the Vice Presidential Palace is currently under construction. “It’s important for me to regularly visit the regions, engage with business actors, listen to input, accept criticism and conduct evaluations. Being able to work from anywhere and connect with the people, that’s what truly matters,” the 37-year-old added. Presidential spokesperson and State Secretary Hadi Prasetyo explained that while Gibran will not be permanently based in Papua, the Special Autonomy Acceleration Board’s secretariat and operational staff will be stationed there. However, the Vice President may frequently visit or temporarily take up office in Papua as needed. Papua, rich in natural resources, has experienced conflict between separatist groups and security forces since the 1970s, with tensions escalating sharply since 2018 as pro-independence armed groups increased attacks. Many critics argue that the Indonesian Military’s (TNI) heavy presence in the region has further deepened the crisis. While the Vice President’s presence in Papua may lend symbolic weight to government efforts to maintain stability, human rights groups emphasize that real progress requires a shift from security-focused policies to inclusive, rights-based governance. Amnesty International Indonesia has urged the government to prioritize peaceful dialogue and ensure that Papuan voices are central to developing solutions. “Dialogue is the most rational and humane path forward,” said Amnesty’s Executive Director Usman Hamid on Wednesday, stressing that as long as the government continues a militaristic approach and fails to uphold human rights, the conflict will persist. This view is echoed by the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Organization (TPNPB-OPM), which demands that the President “form a negotiation team to sit at the table with us.” Read more at: https://www.thejakartapost.com/indonesia/2025/07/10/gibran-prepares-for-papua-role-as-pressure-grows-for-peace-talks.html.
