Indonesia's Former Foreign Minister Responds to Questions on Gaza Refugees, Papua Rights Issues

April 17, 2025 | 05:40 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - During a recent public forum attended by the Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN, former Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa responded to concerns over Indonesia’s foreign policy stance—particularly the perceived contrast between its vocal support for Gaza and ongoing human rights concerns in Papua.

Marty acknowledged that addressing human rights violations in Indonesia, including in the Papua region, is a shared responsibility.

“With regard to the persistence of human rights violations—whether in Papua or elsewhere in Indonesia—this is something that falls under our collective responsibility. We must work together to confront and resolve these issues,” he said.

In response, Japanese Ambassador to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko remarked that the situation in Papua warrants serious attention, especially given Indonesia’s prominent role in championing the Palestinian cause.

“The question is about Papua. While Indonesia actively supports the Palestinian issue, how is it addressing the crisis in Papua?” Masahiko asked during the same discussion.

He went on to emphasize the importance of solidarity among Global South countries in overcoming internal challenges such as conflict and social disparity, as a prerequisite for shaping a more equitable global governance framework.

“First, we must acknowledge and support consensus in the Global South and confront domestic challenges—including conflict, prosperity, and social issues—so the South can safeguard its interests,” Masahiko explained.

The exchange underscored a broader tension in Indonesia’s foreign and domestic policy narratives. While the country remains an outspoken advocate on international humanitarian matters such as Gaza, its own internal human rights challenges—particularly in Papua—continue to attract international attention and demand a more comprehensive and transparent approach.

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