Jakarta – Efforts to achieve peace in Papua require an approach that integrates security and development. Security is essential to protect the community and uphold the rule of law, while development serves as a crucial instrument for delivering public services, improving welfare, and building public trust in the state.
“Peace in Papua is only possible if security, public services, social justice, and respect for local communities go hand-in-hand,” said Noor Azhari, Executive Director of Merah Pusaka Stratejik Indonesia (MPSI), in a written statement on Saturday, October 2, 2026.
Noor made these remarks during a public discussion titled “Why Does the Conflict in Papua Keep Escalating?” organized by the Merah Pusaka Stratejik Indonesia (MPSI) Foundation in East Jakarta on Friday, October 2, 2026.
Noor stated that the issue of Papua cannot simply be viewed as a security disturbance. The ongoing conflict also involves the protection of civilians, the continuity of basic services, public trust, and the future of development in the region.
“Armed violence not only results in casualties but also disrupts education, healthcare, markets, logistics, and social relations,” Noor said.
Noor Azhari believes that success in building peace in Papua cannot be measured solely by a reduction in armed clashes. According to him, other indicators include the extent to which the community regains a sense of security, the functioning of basic services, and the growth of trust in the state.
“The measure of success is not just a decline in armed clashes, but the restoration of a sense of security, basic services, and citizen trust,” Noor said.
Noor acknowledged that the state continues to play a vital role in ensuring security and law enforcement. However, he noted that the security approach must be accompanied by the protection of civilians, accountability, and sensitivity to the social and cultural conditions of local communities.
At the same time, development must continue to ensure that the community receives tangible benefits from the state’s presence. According to Noor, education, health, connectivity, food security, clean water, and the strengthening of the local economy are vital components of efforts to build human security while simultaneously reinforcing the foundations of peace.
“Development cannot proceed amidst fear; security will not be sustainable without public services that are tangibly experienced by the residents,” said Noor.
Noor also emphasized the importance of involving local actors in building peace in Papua. These include traditional leaders, church figures, village heads, women, youth, local government officials, educators, health workers, academics, and civil society members.
“They play a strategic role in detecting potential conflicts and strengthening trust at the community level,” Noor stated.
Noor advocated for a gradual shift in handling the conflict in Papua—moving from a reactive approach toward preventive protection. Such measures include mapping vulnerable areas, early detection, integrated responses, the recovery of affected communities, and sustained trust-building.
Noor noted that this approach requires cross-sectoral coordination among the central and local governments, security forces, indigenous communities, religious leaders, academics, and civil society.
“Resolving the conflict in Papua cannot be a sectoral matter. It must foster an ecosystem that is safe, just, and trustworthy, and whose benefits are truly felt by the residents,” said Noor.
He emphasized that Papua should not be viewed merely as a conflict zone. Papua is a living space for its people, a realm of indigenous culture, a site of development, and a crucial part of Indonesia’s future.
“Building peace in Papua means ensuring that civilians are no longer victims, but rather the focal point of security, development, and reconciliation,” Noor said.
