By Victor Mambor and Tria Dianti
West Papua independence fighters remain unconvinced by Jakarta’s latest amnesty proposal, arguing it falls short in addressing deeper rooted issues.
The Indonesian government under President Prabowo Subianto has proposed granting amnesty to pro-independence rebels in West Papua, the country’s longest-standing armed conflict.
Critics question the effectiveness of this measure, suggesting that without broader dialogue and accountability, the unrest in the resource-rich region may persist.
Yusril Ihza Mahendra, the coordinating minister for law, human rights, immigration, and corrections, announced the amnesty plan.
He met with a British government delegation on January 21, discussing human rights concerns and the West Papua conflict.
According to Mahendra, Prabowo has approved the amnesty to those involved in the Papua conflict.
However, on Thursday, he noted that the proposal is under study and review.
Mahendra stated that the amnesty should be seen as part of efforts to resolve the conflict by prioritising law and human rights.
Activists Sceptical of Amnesty
Sebby Sambom, a spokesman for the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB), dismissed the amnesty proposal as insufficient.
In an interview with BenarNews, Sambom highlighted that rebels are fighting for Papua’s independence, not for forgiveness.
He stated, “Those fighting in the forests have chosen to abandon normal lives to fight for Papua’s independence. They are willing to die for this cause.”
Sambom stressed that the continued unrest indicates that the rebels won’t be dissuaded by the offer of amnesty.
Papua, situated in the easternmost part of Indonesia, encompasses the western half of New Guinea. Integrating Papua into Indonesia in 1969 was fraught with controversy.
Renowned for its distinct Melanesian culture and abundant natural resources, including the Grasberg mine, one of the world’s largest gold and copper deposits, Papua continues to experience a low-level independence insurgency.
Despite its wealth, Papua remains one of Indonesia’s poorest regions, struggling with high poverty rates, illiteracy, and infant mortality. Critics argue that Jakarta’s heavy-handed approach, such as deploying thousands of troops, exacerbates the divide between the government and the Papuan people.
Past Amnesty Efforts
The recent proposal is separate from an amnesty plan announced in November 2024 to grant pardons to 44,000 convicts. It specifically targets those who pledge loyalty to the Indonesian state.
Mahendra outlined that the amnesty remains a work in progress, requiring approval from the House of Representatives (DPR).
Prabowo’s proposal echoes an earlier move by his predecessor, Joko Widodo, who granted clemency to several Papuan political prisoners in 2015. Despite initial optimism, Widodo’s gesture did little to reduce violence.
Armed clashes between security forces and pro-independence fighters have intensified in recent years, often placing civilians in harm’s way.
Necessity of Dialogue
Many experts, like Cahyo Pamungkas, a researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), argue that dialogue is essential before granting amnesty.
Pamungkas explained, “In almost every country, amnesty is granted only after a peace agreement is reached to end armed conflict.”
He added that the absence of broad dialogue suggests the chance of the conflict subsiding with this proposal remains unlikely.
Yan Warinussy, a human rights lawyer in Papua, echoed this sentiment. “Amnesty, abolition, or clemency should not be declared unilaterally by one side without a multi-party understanding from the start.”
Warinussy warned that such unilateral measures could stall peace efforts and potentially escalate the conflict.
Human Rights Concerns
Usman Hamid, director of Amnesty International Indonesia, raised objections to the proposal. “While amnesty is a constitutional legal instrument, it should not apply to those who have committed serious human rights violations.”
Hamid insisted that the government must ensure the perpetrators of gross human rights violations in Papua are held accountable through fair and transparent legal processes.
Political Prisoners in Papua
Website Papuans Behind Bars reported 531 political arrests in 2023, with 96 political prisoners still detained by the year’s end.
The majority of those arrested were affiliated with non-armed groups such as the West Papua National Committee (KNPB) and the Papua People’s Petition (PRP). Only a handful—11 individuals—were linked to the armed rebellion.
Despite these limited figures, Anum Siregar, a lawyer representing Papuan political prisoners, noted the growing interest in the amnesty proposal.
Some detained individuals outside Papua requested transfer to prisons within the region, showing potential avenues for resolutions.
Meanwhile, the leader of the National Committee for West Papua, Agus Kossay, who campaigns for a referendum on self-determination, proclaimed that the fight for independence won’t be compromised.
Kossay, arrested multiple times for orchestrating protests and unrest, stated, “The right to self-determination is non-negotiable and cannot be challenged by anyone. As long as it remains unfulfilled, we will continue to speak out.”
Kossay’s recent release from a sentence for incitement in 2023 underscores the ongoing tension and the resilience of the independence movement in Papua.
Conclusion
The Indonesian government’s attempt to resolve the conflict through amnesty is met with scepticism. To truly alleviate the unrest in Papua, broader dialogue, accountability, and addressing root causes are essential. The movement for independence remains strong and undeterred, as activists reaffirm their commitment to the right of self-determination.
Will this latest proposal pave the way for meaningful peace in West Papua, or is more needed to address the complex grievances? Only time and genuine efforts towards reconciliation will reveal the answer.
Join the Conversation
Share your thoughts on this proposal and its potential impact on the West Papua conflict. Comment below, subscribe to our newsletter, or share this article on social media to stay updated on the latest developments.
