https://www.ucanews.com/news/seeking-a-peaceful-co-existence-in-indonesias-restive-papua/108334
Seeking a peaceful co-existence in Indonesia’s restive Papua
Govt’s response to the recent killing of a female teacher is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence
By Justin Wejak Published: March 31, 2025 12:27 PM GMT
A tragic incident occurred in the Papua region of Indonesia when a devoted female Catholic teacher was reportedly killed on March 21. The Indonesian government swiftly blamed the pro-independence group, the National Liberation Army of the Free Papua Organization (TPN-OPM), for the attack.
The teacher who was killed was named Rosalia Rerek Sogen. Originally from the predominantly Catholic Island of Flores, she had dedicated her life to educating children in a remote village in Papua
The woman was killed due to suspicions of her being linked to the Indonesian military. Her death has sparked outrage and sorrow, highlighting the dangers faced by educators working in conflict zones.
Authorities have vowed to bring those responsible to justice while her community mourns the loss of a cherished mentor and advocate for education.
The killing has cast a shadow over education in the region, increasing fears among both educators and students. Many teachers, especially those from outside Papua, may now feel unsafe working in remote areas where separatist violence is prevalent.
This could result in teacher shortages in conflict-affected communities, further denying students access to quality education. In certain situations, schools in high-risk areas may have to close or relocate, disrupting the learning process for children who are already experiencing educational disadvantages.
The loss of a committed educator also signifies a considerable setback for initiatives to enhance literacy and development in Papua, where access to education remains challenging.
Some teachers might reconsider their assignments or seek transfers to safer locations, which could result in an unequal distribution of educational resources throughout Papua. The government has pledged to improve school security, but excessive militarization could foster an atmosphere of fear instead of safety.
Two immediate questions emerge in this context: What motivated the attack? How ought Indonesia respond to ensure justice for the victims and forestall similar incidents in the future?
Politically motivated attack
Reportedly, the attack was driven by deep-rooted political motivations related to the long-standing conflict between Papuan separatists and the Indonesian state. Separatist groups view civil servants, including teachers, as agents and informants for the Indonesian government and military. This perception resulted in the assault aimed at diminishing Indonesia’s influence in the region.
This attack not only reflects the long struggle for independence but also aims to draw international attention to the cause of Papuan separatists by escalating violence, as well as offering a pretext for the Indonesian military to carry out assaults against the Papuan separatists.
It would be naïve to regard the killing as merely an isolated act of violence. Instead, it serves as a politically charged statement against Jakarta in Papua or, conversely, a statement against Papua in Jakarta and the wider Indonesia. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and grievances, including the marginalization of Indigenous Papuans, the exploitation of natural resources, and human rights violations.
By targeting an educator, the perpetrators sought to challenge Indonesia’s presence in the region and hinder efforts to integrate Papuans into the national framework through education and public services.
Unfortunately, in this instance, a female educator fell victim to the conflict, highlighting the perils faced by civilians trapped between insurgents and state security forces. The attack emphasises the urgent need for dialogue, conflict resolution, and improved protection for educators who are essential to the region’s future.
To ensure long-term protection for educators, authorities must engage in meaningful dialogue with local communities, address the root causes of conflict, and implement policies that safeguard both education and human rights in the region. This indicates that capturing the perpetrators in the short term is simply insufficient; a sustained approach of dialogueand negotiation is required.
Dialogue is the answer
In response to the assault by Papuan separatists, local authorities and the Indonesian government have vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Security forces have intensified their efforts to track down those responsible, deploying additional police and military personnel to the area where the attack occurred.
The Indonesian government has often adopted a security-based approach to managing separatist violence, frequently conducting military operations to suppress insurgent groups. In this instance, authorities are not only focused on apprehending the attackers but also on ensuring the safety of other teachers and civil servants working in high-risk areas by increasing security presence around schools and government facilities.
However, such measures have sometimes led to further escalations of violence, prompting concerns about potential human rights violations.
In addition to immediate security measures, the Indonesian government is exploring long-term solutions to prevent similar incidents from recurring. Officials have stressed the need to strengthen Papua’s education and economic development programs to address the underlying grievances that drive separatist sentiment.
Some efforts involve boosting funding for local infrastructure, enhancing access to public services, and fostering dialogue with Indigenous Papuan communities.
Additionally, there have been calls for enhanced protection for educators, such as stationing security personnel near schools and providing teachers with emergency communication systems.
However, human rights groups argue that heavy military responses may not be the most effective solution and advocate for a more inclusive approach that prioritises addressing local concerns through dialogue and sustainable development.
The way Indonesia responds to the attack is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence and addressing the root causes of the conflict. Resorting to military crackdowns or retaliatory actions may only fuel further unrest and deepen resentment among Papuan communities.
Instead, the Indonesian government should genuinely engage in dialogue with local leaders, educators, and civil society to address persistent grievances such as marginalization, economic inequality, and political representation.
Enhancing education and development initiatives while ensuring civilian protection can help foster trust and stability in the region.
A well-calibrated political approach prioritising peacebuilding, justice, and reconciliation will not only honor the memory of the fallen teacher but also establish a foundation for long-term solutions that avert further loss of innocent lives.
Can both parties — the Indonesian government and Papuan separatists — find the courage and humility to engage in roundtable negotiations for a peaceful future of coexistence?
*The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial position of UCA News.
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