Jayapura, Jubi – International Relations lecturer of Cenderawasih University Laus Deo Calvin Rumayom revealed a study on three conflicts that occur in Papua, namely political, economic, and socio-cultural conflicts.
In the online discussion “Understanding Papuan Development Dynamics in Local, National, and Global Perspectives”, part of the Summer Youth Gathering organized by the Papuan Student Association (IMAPA) in the United States – Canada on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, Rumayom explained that political conflict occurred the most in Jayawijaya at 84 percent, followed by Jayapura at 72 percent, and Manokwari at 29 percent.
“So the center for protests, rallies, and consolidations are in Jayawijaya and Jayapura,” he said.
Meanwhile, the largest economic conflicts, said Rumayom, occurred in Manokwari (42 percent), Biak (38 percent), and Merauke (35 percent). While the socio-cultural conflicts are highest in Merauke (30 percent), Manokwari (29 percent), and Jayapura (6 percent).
“In the southern region, the socio-cultural conflicts are still quite high,” he said.
According to Rumayom, conflicts that occur are often caused by disputes over land, territorial boundaries, and unresolved tribal wars continued by the next generation.
“The 303 tribes in Papua have a variety of conflicts that are born from within one tribe and/or between tribes,” he said.
Rumayom further said it was important to resolve conflicts in Papua through a cultural or anthropological approach, in order to understand the root causes of conflicts that occur between ethnic groups in Papua.
“We have to know why this area has become conflicted, instead of becoming a part of that conflict. We also need to learn how to manage and solve such a conflict,” he said. (*)
