"In our opinion, Benny Wenda is creating an illusory state, a country that does not exist in fact. What is West Papua?" Mahfud MD stated at the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday.
Mahfud highlighted at least three conditions for the establishment of a country: the people, region, and government and thereafter recognition from other countries.
"There are three conditions for the establishment of a country, specifically people that he controls, an area he controls, and then there is the government. He does not exist. Who are the people? He rebels. We control our territory. The government. Who recognizes that he is the government? Papuans themselves do not admit him," the minister pointed out.
Another requirement is recognition from other countries and entry into international organizations.
"Nobody admits him. Indeed, he is supported by a small country in the Pacific, Vanuatu. However, it is smaller than hundreds of large countries. Vanuatu is small and does not join international organizations though only voiced politically," Mahfud MD expounded.
In addition, the minister reminded that Papua, through a referendum in 1969, was final and legally a part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
The senior minister said the referendum in November 1969 on Papua being legally part of Indonesia's sovereignty was endorsed by the UN General Assembly.
"This is because there will be no other (referendum). It is impossible for the UN to make decisions twice on the same matter," he clarified.
Furthermore, Mahfud MD remarked that since 1969, Papua was not included on the UN Committee 24 listing of countries deemed to have the opportunity to become independent, in contrast to East Timor.
"East Timor does exist, but Papua does not exist. Since 1969, Papua has not been on the list of the UN Committee 24," he noted.
Furthermore, the coordinating minister drew attention to the fact that Benny Wenda was a prisoner or a person sentenced to a 15-year term for a crime in Indonesia, though he escaped.
"Thus, he is now stateless. In England, he is a guest, while in Indonesia, he has been deprived of citizenship. Then, how does he lead his country? I say, Benny Wenda builds an illusory country," Mahfud MD stated.
Hence, Mahfud has urged the public to not harbor fears or concerns over Benny Wenda's illusory state declaration through the social media platform, Twitter.
"It is just an illusion. Moreover, the declaration of independence was made via Twitter. Why do we have to make a fuss? No need to panic. The law will be enforced," he emphasized. Related news: Benny Wenda has no authority to declare independence: Lemhanas
Related news: Govt must ignore Benny Wenda's maneuver: UI law professor
Translator: Zuhdiar L, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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