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Text your say: New deal for Papua

Joko Widodo - JP/Wendra AjistyatamaYour comments on a breakthrough made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo for Papuans that includes opening access for foreign media to Papua and West Papua provinces, freeing political prisoners and launching a number of projects:It is good that Papua is now being given more attention from the President

The Jakarta Post
Mon, May 18, 2015

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Text your say: New deal for Papua

Joko Widodo - JP/Wendra Ajistyatama

Your comments on a breakthrough made by President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo for Papuans that includes opening access for foreign media to Papua and West Papua provinces, freeing political prisoners and launching a number of projects:It is good that Papua is now being given more attention from the President.

Papua really needs to be explored and all the wealths shared among the Papuan people.

Eddy Arjuna Zainy

There'€™s a saying, '€œA good start is half the race'€.

Eduard N.
Jakarta


By allowing foreign journalists to report as freely as they want, hopefully we will find out what really goes on Papua.

Syahda Ahyar

It is a good sign, but the fact that journalists can travel to Papua without a special visa is no warranty for true freedom of the press.

Now they can no longer be charged with visa violations, but the can still be accused of treason when writing the wrong things (form the view of the government or the security forces) or talking to the wrong people.

So the only thing that might change is that the security forces will have to turn their head to make sure there is no journalist behind them when committing crimes.

Markus Hagenauer

Given the demographics of Papua today, it'€™s most likely going to be a no for separation if all the migrants are allowed to vote.  

The New Caledonia referendum would require a 10-year residency.  Even if these restrictions are in place, most people would choose to stay in Indonesia.

Even 10 years ago, non-native Papuans made up about 50 percent of the population.  

If only Papuans were allowed to vote, about 20-30 percent would choose to remain in Indonesia, add long-term residents and you will get most people wanting to remain in Indonesia.

The Indonesians are much better prepared in terms of campaigning then they were in the East Timor (now Timor Leste) referendum of 1999.  

They have 16 years of political campaigning as a democracy, and tons of money to spend on campaigning. They had none of that in East Timor in 1999.

Weilim

We'€™re so excited that you decided to take the plunge into Papua. Foreigners can help promote Papua as it is an amazing place with beautiful beaches and highlands.

Usri

This may just be a publicity stunt.  The reality is on the ground because once a journalist goes to the Papuan provinces. They can easily be harassed by the military and police.

Jagera

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