The tragic shooting in Kemburu, Puncak District, Central Papua, which claimed the lives of at least five civilians, including young children, underscores that Papua’s decades-long conflict remains unresolved. Human Rights Minister Natalius Pigai has rightly called for an independent investigation, emphasizing that protecting civilians is a fundamental obligation of the state. As he stated, “There should be no civilians falling victim in clashes between TNI and Papuan armed separatist groups.” Temporarily halting military operations in vulnerable areas is not only urgent—it is necessary to prevent further loss of innocent lives.

At the same time, President Prabowo Subianto has signaled a commitment to a peaceful Papua, creating an opening for a coordinated approach between the government and Papuan communities. The Kemburu tragedy, while heartbreaking, presents an opportunity to reimagine a sustainable peace process that balances security with human rights and dignity.

Indonesia’s experience in Aceh provides a proven blueprint. After three decades of conflict, the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2005, facilitated by international mediation. The agreement comprehensively addressed governance, human rights, reintegration, security, monitoring, and dispute resolution. Since then, Aceh has gradually recovered socially, politically, and economically—avoiding what could have been thousands more casualties and significant economic losses. The Helsinki process is estimated to have saved 14,600–21,900 lives and prevented billions of dollars in potential economic losses.

Prabowo’s Roles in a Three-Pronged Approach

Drawing from Aceh’s success, a peaceful Papua can be pursued through three complementary strategies, with Prabowo and Pigai playing pivotal roles:

1. Structured Dialogue and Mediation

Under President Prabowo’s leadership, the government can facilitate a structured dialogue with the Free Papua Movement (OPM), modeled on the Helsinki MoU. Minister Pigai, with his deep understanding of Papuan communities, can serve as a bridge between the state and local populations. Dialogue should cover human rights protections, security arrangements, amnesty, reintegration of ex-combatants, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Comprehensive discussions, coupled with mutual agreements, are essential before any formal accord to ensure durable peace.

Aceh’s experience shows that a structured mediation framework can succeed even after decades of conflict. Clear rules, monitoring mechanisms, and institutional support for reintegration were critical in ensuring compliance and building trust—a lesson that Papua must heed.

2. Engagement with the International Community

Papua has long been under scrutiny by the United Nations. Reports highlight excessive use of force, extrajudicial killings, torture, and forced displacement of indigenous Papuans. Minister Pigai, representing Indonesia’s commitment to human rights, can play a key role in coordinating transparent dialogue with the UN Human Rights Council. Adhering to international recommendations and proactively addressing concerns—such as forced disappearances, arbitrary detentions, and displacement—would demonstrate accountability and build credibility with both domestic and international stakeholders.

International engagement is not about ceding sovereignty; it is about leveraging experience, expertise, and moral authority to support a sustainable peace process.

3. Coordinated Domestic Governance

President Prabowo’s administration can ensure that governance is harmonized across ministries, with Minister Pigai and a dedicated taskforce spearheading efforts. This interministerial approach should involve human rights experts, civil society, and academia, with the Coordinating Ministry for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections serving as a central focal point.

Targeted measures, such as granting amnesty to individuals imprisoned without criminal records, particularly those associated with OPM due to misunderstandings or political labeling, could foster reconciliation and goodwill. Complementing political and security reforms with socio-economic development programs would provide tangible benefits to local communities and strengthen long-term peace.

A Moral and Strategic Imperative

The Kemburu tragedy is more than a political or security challenge—it is a moral imperative. The lives lost, especially of children, demand decisive, transparent, and inclusive action. Failure to act risks continued civilian casualties and erodes Indonesia’s credibility as a democratic and human-rights-respecting nation.

History shows that crises can catalyze change. Aceh’s peace process unfolded after decades of bloodshed and a devastating tsunami, yet dialogue, mediation, and inclusivity enabled reconciliation, saving thousands of lives. Papua deserves the same opportunity, with Prabowo and Pigai leading the effort to transform tragedy into hope.

Peace in Papua is possible—but it requires courage, patience, and unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and the dignity of all Indonesians. By combining structured dialogue, international engagement, and coordinated domestic governance under the leadership of Prabowo and Pigai, Indonesia can transform Papua’s future from recurring tragedy to sustainable peace.

The time to act is now. Kemburu should not become another chapter in a long history of preventable tragedies. It must become a turning point—a moment when Indonesia recommits itself to peace, justice, and the well-being of all its citizens, including the indigenous peoples of Papua.

Peace in Papua is possible—but it requires courage, patience, and unwavering commitment to justice, human rights, and the dignity of all Indonesians. By combining structured dialogue, international engagement, and coordinated domestic governance under the leadership of Prabowo and Pigai, Indonesia can transform Papua’s future from recurring tragedy to sustainable peace. The time to act is now. Kemburu should not become another chapter in a long history of preventable tragedies. It must become a turning point—a moment when Indonesia recommits itself to peace, justice, and the well- being of all its citizens, including the indigenous peoples of Papua.

As the Latin adage reminds us, “Pax per colloquium pervenitur”—peace is achieved through dialogue. Only by fostering open, inclusive, and respectful conversations can Papua hope to secure lasting peace for generations to come.

Artikel From Tragedy to Dialogue: Prabowo, Pigai, and Papua’s Path to Peace pertama kali tampil pada Rilpolitik.