Jayapura – The 10th and 12th Vice President of Indonesia, Jusuf Kalla, advocates for resolving issues in Papua through a political approach that prioritizes dialogue, mutual understanding, and community participation to support development and foster a conducive security environment.
According to Jusuf Kalla, development in Papua cannot rely solely on a security-based approach; it also requires effective communication with the community so they understand that government-led development is a collective effort to improve the welfare of the Papuan people. He made these remarks while addressing the security situation in Papua after attending the inauguration of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) board for the Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) for the 2026–2031 term.
He noted that the government has consistently paid significant attention to Papua’s development through various programs and budget allocations aimed at accelerating progress in eastern Indonesia. Therefore, he believes it is essential to foster a clear understanding among the public regarding the goals and benefits of the ongoing development initiatives.
Jusuf Kalla also emphasized the importance of a peaceful approach in communicating with all stakeholders to build a shared understanding of Papua’s future. He holds the view that dialogue and political approaches should be prioritized as part of the effort to find sustainable solutions to the various issues facing the region.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that security forces still play a role in maintaining stability and protecting the public should acts of violence that disrupt security and order occur. However, he maintained that efforts to foster understanding through peaceful means must remain a priority in the conflict resolution process.
According to Jusuf Kalla, experiences with conflict resolution in various regions demonstrate that dialogue and effective communication can pave the way for sustainable peace. He therefore hopes that all parties will prioritize a spirit of togetherness, unity, and peaceful problem-solving to realize a Papua that is safe, progressive, and prosperous.
