A Franciscan priest in Papua has expressed skepticism over the Indonesian government’s proposal to grant amnesty to independence rebels, warning that it may not be enough to resolve long-standing issues in the conflict-ridden region.
Father Alexandro Rangga, OFM, Director of the “Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation” Commission in Papua, told Vatican’s Fides News Agency that while “it is true that the release of some prisoners imprisoned for political reasons could mean some relief for the families,” the psychological toll on former detainees cannot be ignored.
“The prisoners released in the past are no longer the same: they have suffered deep trauma, some no longer speak, perhaps because of the mistreatment they suffered. It will, therefore, be necessary to verify the condition of the released prisoners,” he said.
Father Rangga stressed that the amnesty plan must be part of a more comprehensive approach that addresses the broader context of the region’s challenges.
He pointed out that without an inclusive dialogue at all levels, the initiative might fail to tackle the root causes of the conflict and the hardships faced by the local population.
The Indonesian government, under newly elected President Prabowo Subianto, is considering granting amnesty to independence rebels in West Papua as part of efforts to resolve the decades-long armed conflict.
Minister of Justice, Human Rights, and Immigration Yusril Ihza Mahendra confirmed that the proposal is “under study” and that authorities are working out the specifics of the plan, which would require recipients to pledge allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia.
“The measure is intended as part of the effort to resolve the conflict,” Mahendra said, adding that it still requires approval from the House of Representatives.
Many in Papua remain doubtful, fearing that the measure serves only as a temporary relief while leaving core issues unresolved.
Father Rangga also highlighted the ongoing military operations that have caused displacement in central Papua.
He pointed to the case of five villages in the Oksop district, in the diocese of Jayapura, where military deployments in late November forced residents to flee.
According to the Franciscan Justice and Peace Commission, approximately 300 people were displaced to neighboring villages, with many others hiding in the forests. However, “according to the army and other officials, these reports are not true,” he said.
In response, the Franciscan commission is preparing a detailed report listing the displaced individuals and their challenges. “We intend to present it to the Indonesian President together with the bishops and religious leaders of Papua,” Father Rangga said.
The proposed amnesty follows a similar initiative by former President Joko Widodo, who, in 2015, pardoned several Papuan political prisoners.
West Papua, Indonesia’s easternmost region, has remained a site of unrest since its controversial integration into Indonesia in 1969 through military intervention.
The region, home to a predominantly Melanesian population and rich in natural resources, has been the center of separatist tensions since the 1970s.
Despite its resource wealth, West Papua remains one of Indonesia’s most impoverished regions, with high levels of poverty and illiteracy fueling long-standing grievances.
