(UCAN): Catholic leaders in Indonesia expressed concern regarding the transmigration programme initiated by the country’s new president, Prabowo Subianto, particularly in the conflict-prone region of Papua. They warn that relocating non-Papuans to this easternmost part of the country could lead to significant issues for the indigenous population.
Following his inauguration on October 20, Subianto announced that the programme will involve sending transmigrants to various regions in eastern Indonesia, including Papua province. The initiative is intended to promote welfare equality across different areas, according to the newly established Transmigration Ministry, which operates separately from the Ministry of Villages. The plan also includes the development of one million hectares of new rice fields in Papua.
The programme was unveiled by transmigration minister, Iftitah Sulaiman Suryanagara, at a meeting of the House of Representatives on October 29.
“Papua is not empty land. This is land owned by the people,” said Melianus Asso, head of the Papuan Catholic Youth. He added, “We, the Papuan Catholic Youth, do not need a transmigration programme.”
He pointed out, “We need education, health, access to clean water, electricity, and other basic facilities.”
In a statement on October 30, the Papuan Catholic Youth asked the government to review the new plan, which is part of a national strategic programme.
Papua is not empty land. This is land owned by the people. We, the Papuan Catholic Youth, do not need a transmigration programme
Melianus Asso, head of the Papuan Catholic Youth
Tino Mote, a member of the group, said the transmigration programme and the rice field project are not in line with “the needs of the local community.” He said that as a Catholic organisation based on the values of Laudato Si’, “we are responsible for preserving the environment.”
He also stressed the need to protect indigenous people in Papua.
Stefanus Asat Gusma, the chairperson of Papuan Catholic Youth, said he will “bring this issue to the attention of the president, the ministry and the military which is currently serving in the troubled province.
Augustinian Father Bernard Baru said the migration of non-Papuans has made indigenous people a minority in Papua.
“This will only worsen the marginalisation of indigenous Papuans,” he said adding that the programme is another way to control Papua.
Father Baru said, “In urban areas, immigrants now dominate, while indigenous Papuans live in remote areas.”
Papua has a population of 4.3 million people, with Christians making up 85.02 per cent of the total. This includes Protestants at 69.39 per cent and Catholics at 15.63 per cent. It is one of the poorest provinces in Indonesia. As of Marcah, the poverty rate in the province was recorded at 17.26 per cent, which is almost double the national average of 9.03 per cent.
Research conducted by James Elmslie from the University of Sydney indicates that the indigenous Papuan population represents only 1.84 per cent of the total, while the non-Papuan population stands at 10.82 per cent.
