Alluding To Papuan Human Rights Issues, Deputy Head Of BKSAP DPR Sprays British Legislators At The World Parliament Forum

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP), Irine Yusiana Roba Putri, responded strongly to the statement by one of the British lawmakers who alluded to the situation of human rights enforcement (HAM) in Papua in the international parliamentary forum or Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) which was held in Rome, Italy, on Friday, June 20 local time.

Irine stated that the statements of British lawmakers were baseless and inappropriate to be delivered in a forum that should be focused on peace dialogue between parliaments.

The incident began when one of the British lawmakers expressed a critical view regarding the human rights situation in Papua in the General Debate session with the theme Parliamentarians in dialogue with religion and belief: Holding trust and embracing hope for our common future.

The British legislator then asked the Indonesian government to open access to the Papua region to the international community which he considered no longer carried out since the era of the reign of the 7th President of the Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

Irine, who is a member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the North Maluku electoral district, firmly rejected the accusations made by the British legislator. Loudly, Irine expressed her protest and objection to the attitude of the British parliament which utilized the IPU forum and touched on human rights issues in Indonesia.

"What he said regarding the human rights situation in Papua was an baseless accusation. I deeply regret that the forum that should be used to find a peaceful solution is actually used as a propaganda platform that weakens the sovereignty of our country," said Irine in a statement to reporters, Saturday, June 21.

"This is not the right place to discuss the Papua issue. I firmly reject your statement," added the PDIP legislator.

Irine explained that Indonesia has the ideology of Pancasila and Bhineka Tunggal Ika which builds unity and trust between religious believers through inclusive and participatory policies, based on national values.

"In Indonesia, involvement like this is carried out through cross-religious forums, community activities, and inclusive policy making which reflect our national values, namely Pancasila and Bhinneka Tunggal Ika," explained Irine.

According to him, the problems that exist in Indonesia can be resolved by means of dialogue, especially in protecting minority rights. This, said Irine, requires time and process through inclusive policies and commitments to justice.

"This dialogue strengthens trust, protects minority rights, and encourages harmony in the midst of the diversity of our nation. Trust is not built overnight. It requires consistency in engagement, inclusive policies, and commitment to justice," said Irine.

Furthermore, Irine emphasized the important role of the Indonesian parliament in ensuring the protection of religious minority groups and maintaining diversity as a nation's strength.

"In Indonesia, where religion coexists with local belief, our parliament plays an important role in ensuring that religious diversity is protected and celebrated," he said.

According to Irine, Indonesia has made efforts to guarantee legal protection against religious minority groups and encourage inclusive citizenship, which is said to be the basis for creating a peaceful society.

"Even before we formed the legislative sector, we had passed a law that guarantees freedom of religion and protects the minority community from discrimination," concluded Irine.