In addressing the issue of Papua, the government is prioritizing comprehensive welfare in all aspects. And in facing separatism, the government is emphasizing dialogues and enforcing the law in dealing with KKB (armed Papuan groups).
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Mahfud MD, has reiterated that the government has adopted a welfare and dialogue-based approach to promote development in the easternmost Indonesian province of Papua.

He made the statement during a virtual dialogue with the Foreign Ministry, Indonesian embassies in the Asia Pacific region, the US, and Europe as well as Indonesian representatives in Africa on Thursday.

"In addressing the issue of Papua, the government is prioritizing comprehensive welfare in all aspects. And in facing separatism, the government is emphasizing dialogues and enforcing the law in dealing with KKB (armed Papuan groups)," he stated.

Mahfud said he has held comprehensive dialogues and meetings with Papuan figures, including religious figures, social figures, regional governments, and the Papua Provincial Legislative Council (DPRP) leadership.

They have all agreed to build Papua with peace, he remarked.

Related news: Hope new autonomy law accommodates Papuan people's interests: DPRP

In addition to strengthening welfare and peace approaches, the country must ensure the safety of the Papua people in the face of the threat posed by terrorism, he added.

Constitutionally, Papua is a legitimate part of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia, in accordance with the international law adopted in the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 2504, Mahfud said.

Thursday's dialogue also featured the leadership of the State Intelligence Board (BIN), the National Police (Polri), the National Counter-terrorism Board (BNPT), and the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (PPATK).

Indonesian Ambassador to New Zealand, Tantowi Yahya, lauded Mahfud MD's initiative in holding the dialogue and expressed the hope it would be held routinely.

"We appreciate the effort made by Mr. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs to explain to the public about Papua issue through one gate. So far, there have been many gates to explain the policy on Papua," he remarked.

Tantowi said the narrative on Papua should focus on justice, treatment, and upholding of human rights rather than the considerable amount of funds channeled to the province.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Ambassador to Belgium, Andri Hadi, said all European countries support the Indonesian government 's policy on Papua.
Related news: House passes Papua special autonomy bill at plenary session

Translator: Syaiful Hakim/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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