Papuan perspectives on Indonesia's 2024 presidential election

The election of Joko Widodo or Jokowi as Indonesian president in 2014 was initially welcomed by many Papuans.

Jokowi, who was not a part of Indonesia's political or military elite circles, sought a humanist approach to Papua, where human rights violations have not ceased since the beginning of the Indonesian occupation in May 1963. But what is the reality today?

Jokowi, a swindler ?

How disappointing! Despite being hailed as the new Obama, Jokowi after nine years in power has left no positive legacy for indigenous Papuans. His dozen of visits to Papua were purely political imaging. 

At the end of his term, Jokowi's promises to the Papuan people turned out to be empty words, among other things:

1. Resolving cases of human rights violations against Papuans. 
2. Permitting foreign journalists to work in Papua.
3. Engaging peaceful dialogue with the pro-independent Papua group or ULMWP.
4. Opening access for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit Papua. 

The last one is perhaps the most embarrassing, given that it's urged by many countries, including the European Union.

Under Indonesia, Papuans will remain miserable ?

On February 14th, Indonesia will hold a new presidential election. Once again Papua has become a political commodity: Human rights issues and poverty in Papua were hot topics during the presidential debates. 

Broadly speaking, the 2024 Indonesian elections are dominated by three camps, namely Nationalists represented by ex-general Prabowo Subianto, Democrats represented by Ganjar Pranowo, and Progressivists represented by Anies Baswedan. But what does it all mean? Since 60 years with Indonesia, Papuans live in misery. 

Could it be different this time? 

"For Papuans who are tired of being cheated, whoever the president is, as long as it is still under Indonesian rule, Papuans will remain miserable", said an anonymous young Papuan. "Indeed, the method used by all Indonesian presidents to solve problems in Papua is the same: military operations", he added.

This pessimism also seems to be felt by a number of Indonesian human rights activists such as Veronica Koman. Through a Twitter status on January 19th, she hinted that with Prabowo, the situation in Papua will worsen. With Ganjar, the status quo will be maintained. While with Anies, there might be changes but she remains doubtful.

Indonesia's 2024 presidential election, a hypocrisy?

For Ambrosius Mulait, Indonesia's presidential election is a sham political game, as those Indonesian politicians with crappy records now sit at the same table. This Papuan activist, familiarly known as Ambros, doesn't mince his words: 

"Anies, Prabowo, Ganjar, stop making Papuans a commodity to sell your politics. That's hypocritical. Papuans need recognition of their independence, not colonial-style elections!".