Human Rights Minister Says Papuans Can Demand Justice, But Not Independence
Indonesian Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai stated that while Papuans are encouraged to seek justice and prosperity through legal channels, calls for independence remain prohibited. He urged citizens to document rights violations to support their advocacy efforts.
Why it matters
This reflects the Indonesian government's ongoing struggle to balance regional development and human rights with the maintenance of national territorial integrity.
August 18, 2026 | 10:13 am SHARE URL berhasil di salin. An Indonesian soldier stands guard in the Elikobel District, Merauke Regency, South Papua, on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. (Antara Photo) Nabire, Papua. Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai says Papuans have the right to demand greater prosperity, justice and fulfillment of their rights, but cannot call for Papua to break away from Indonesia.
Pigai said people in Papua remain free to raise grievances over welfare, inequality and other issues as long as they express their demands through lawful and constitutional means.
"What is not allowed is saying, 'We want independence, separate us from Indonesia.' That is not allowed," Pigai said during a working visit to the Central Papua provincial legislature in Nabire on Monday evening, according to state news agency Antara .
"Other things are allowed. There is no problem, as long as they are done in the right way."
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