TheJakartaPost
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The discrimination against Papuans has yet again brought the issue of ethnicity and nationalism into the spotlight. But what is nationalism, especially when faced against the backdrop of ethnic diversity in Indonesia?
According to Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto, Monday’s unrest was controlled by the National Committee of West Papua (KNPB), which is affiliated to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), led by UK-based Papuan exile Benny Wenda.
Civic nationalism, also known as liberal nationalism, is a form of nationalism in contrast with ethnic nationalism. Under this paradigm, nationality is not based on ethnicity or religion. It is based on a person's willingness to follow the shared principles and values of the nation.
“If the President really wants to help, he’d better finish Jakarta’s responsibilities by creating three human rights institutions in Papua, namely a human rights commission, a human rights court and a commission for freedom and reconciliation,” Usman said.
But focusing on so-called provocateurs would mean that we neglect the voice of Papuans who took to the streets in peace. Thousands of them rallied for a cause and they deserve to be heard. Believing in outside influence is also condescending, as if we believe Papuans cannot act on their own volition.
In the context of Papua, without the internet, it would be difficult for a group of people that experience injustice and discrimination to tell their stories to foster the much-needed awareness of these injustices.Because of this, limitations on internet access should be regarded as an attack on democracy.
