“Please, never underestimate the Papuan people,” said Franklin Ramses Burumi, the talented young sprinter and Papuan native who has contributed three gold medals to Indonesia’s tally in track and field at the 26th SEA Games in Palembang, South Sumatra.

I believe he did not intend to be arrogant because he also represented his fellow Papuans. His message tried to remind us of these forgotten people. I definitely agree with him. I would say that we should see Papuans as important as other people and treat them with honor and respect.

Papua has been a troubled province over the past few months. Bloodshed occurred following a massive strike at PT Freeport Indonesia. Then, violence reared its head following the third Papuan’s People Congress in Abepura. But Papuan athletes have shone brightly in this sporting competition. They have contributed greatly to promoting the name of Indonesia in sports. During the past decade the country has had almost nothing to be proud of.

“I tried to stay focused on defending the red and white squad. I wanted to help Indonesia win gold,” said Franklin’s fellow Papuan Titus Bonai, who is now a rising star of Indonesia’s soccer squad.

We have to be aware of the performance of Papuan athletes. It must be a wake up call for us, especially for Indonesia’s elites, to send a sign that Papua really exists. When our dignity as a nation has dropped to its lowest point because of the disgraceful actions of our elites, sport has often become a savior, serving to unite Indonesians and raise their pride. During the SEA Games, glittering athletes from Papua have surprised us. Unfortunately, sinful elites look at Papua and the only thing they see that glitters is the province’s gold.

Not only have Papuans shown their quality in sport, but they have also proven that they are indeed a black pearl from the east that is still able to shine despite life in the motherland not being as glittering as the gold they own.

Those who love this country must surely also love Papua and will defend it as part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). However, we should not forget what happened with Timor Leste, the former 27th province of Indonesia that separated from us in 1999.

Papua bears similarities with Timor Leste in that it has experienced oppression, poverty and injustice, despite it being granted special autonomy status. Do we think that Timor Leste’s déjà vu is an absurdity? Are we overconfident that the snow ball is not already rolling and will not run over us?

Moreover, Papua has more abundant natural resources than Timor Leste, which should boost its confidence. It will make our sleep restless every night before it is settled amicably. And it will never be settled amicably with guns.

To be frank and honest, we need Papua more than Papua needs us. Perhaps if Papua separated it might even become more advanced than Indonesia in the future, with its soccer team enjoying international success, while Indonesia still struggles with corruption, deception and hypocrisy.

Titus Jonathan
Serpong, Banten

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