Achmad Nasrudin Yahya, Jakarta – Presidential candidate number 2, Greater Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra) Chairperson and Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, says the conflict in Papua is complicated because of the separatist movement and foreign interference.
This was conveyed by Prabowo when he was answering a question on the conflict in Papua during the inaugural presidential election debate on Tuesday December 12 at the General Elections Commission (KPU) offices in Jakarta.
"The Papua problem is complex because a separatist movement is happening there. We have been following this separatist movement for quite a long time, we see that there is foreign interference", said Prabowo.
Prabowo said there were certain forces who want Indonesia to split apart and disintegrate.
In resolving the conflict in Papua, Prabowo said that human rights remain his top priority.
According to Prabowo, the indigenous Papuan people, who are often the victims of violence by separatist groups, must be protected.
Up until now, he said, these separatist groups often attack ordinary Papuan people who are innocent, ranging from women to the elderly and children who are not armed.
Therefore, Prabowo gave assurances that he would strengthen the security forces and economic development to solve problems in Papua.
"So my plan is certainly to uphold the law, strengthening the apparatus there, and also accelerate economic development", he asserted.
[Translated by James Balowski. The original title of the article was "Konflik Papua Tak Kunjung Usai, Prabowo: Rumit, Ada Campur Tangan Asing".]
