Papua problematique : seeking the role of Papuan diaspora for peaceful solutions

Abstract

The problem of Papua is intricate. Apart from the more popular issue of the separatist movement, there are several issues related to development, democracy, discrimination, gender, human rights, and the environment. Alt ore connected and indicate the impossibility of partial or sectoral solutions. What is the perception of the Papuan diaspora about such overlapped issues? What kind of solutions do they have in mind to handle them? These two questions are raised in this research. And, having conducted a series of focused group discussions (FGD) and interviews, students and other Papuans living in Bandung and Jakarta are proposing the importance of improving education in the region. Activities and views of Papuan people living abroad or called as diaspora are collected through the media reports. There is also an endorsement for the central government and local officials as well to be consistent, capable, and transparent in carrying out the development programs in Papua. They also mentioned the imperative of giving respect to human rights in keeping the region in peace while running such development programs.