I urge the government to take immediate steps to prevent the ULMWP's baseless provocation from escalating into a social issue. The West Papua special autonomous government also needs to stand firm against this issue.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy House Speaker Azis Syamsuddin urged Indonesia's government to act sternly and promptly against the claim of the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) that declared a West Papua provisional government on Dec 1.

"I urge the government to take immediate steps to prevent the ULMWP's baseless provocation from escalating into a social issue. The West Papua special autonomous government also needs to stand firm against this issue," he stated here on Wednesday.

Syamsuddin condemned the claim of ULMWP, led by Benny Wenda, while affirming that West Papua remains an intrinsic part of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

"The claim of irresponsible people beyond the framework of the NKRI is an uncommendable act and unfounded. We firmly condemn the one-sided claim and will take stern measures against those supporting it," he emphasized.

The deputy house speaker believes that the people of West Papua are not involved in the formation of ULMWP, and that the claim of independence has no strong basis.

West Papua has been recognized internationally as part of the Indonesian territory, he remarked.

"Benny Wenda does not understand the state ideology of Pancasila that lays the basis for national unification. In this context, Papua and West Papua are the core of the NKRI framework, and the international world recognizes the entire territory of NKRI," he noted.

Syamsuddin expressed belief that the people of West Papua will not be incited by the issue owing to their high level of adoration for Indonesia and also the love of all elements of the Indonesian community for the people of Papua and West Papua.

The ULMWP declared a provisional government on Tuesday (Dec 1) and nominated Benny Wenda, who lives in exile in the United Kingdom, as president. Related news: Prosperity-oriented approaches to solve problems in Papua, West Papua
Related news: Second phase of special autonomy to make Papua prosperous: Moeldoko





Translator: Imam Budilaksono/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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