‘Papua Peace Conference’ 5 – 7 July 2011, Jayapura

‘Papua Peace Conference’ 5 – 7 July 2011, Jayapura

July 5, 2011 - From 5–7 July 2011, the ‘Papua Peace Conference’ will be held in Jayapura (Papua province, Indonesia). This high profile three-day event, organized by the Papua Peace Network (PPN) aims at clarifying the understanding of the long established concept "Papua Land of Peace". It also aims at discussing means and ways for Papuans and other important stakeholders to let “Papua Land of Peace” become a reality. The Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Djoko Suyanto, will present the views of the Indonesian Government. Other dignitaries are also expected to share their views at the opening of the Conference.

200 indigenous Papuans from all regencies in the provinces of Papua and West Papua, representing different religions, ethnic groups, women’s groups, youth, and local organizations are expected to attend the Conference as delegates. They all are at the forefront of working towards a peaceful Papua. In addition, 350 observers from Papua and West Papua are expected to witness the Conference.

The ‘Papua Peace Conference’ will conclude with a declaration adopted by the delegates outlining important areas to be discussed with the central government, in order to progress towards further defining the concept “Papua Land of Peace”. Most importantly, the declaration will highlight willingness for peaceful dialogue and suggest concrete and constructive ways forward.

Background information on the PPN
The Papuan Peace Network (PPN) was established in 2010. It is co-chaired by Father Neles Tebay, a Catholic priest and human rights activist from Papua province, Indonesia, and by Dr. Muridan S. Widjojo, editor of the Papua Road Map that was published by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). The PPN gathers 30 Papuan and non-Papuan leaders representing different groups in society. The PPN and its members are guided by the passionate belief in dialogue as an instrument to settle any existing differences between the central government and the Papua – / West Papua provinces. Since its inception, it has organized a number of public consultations, through which it has managed to bring closer together large parts of the Papuan society. The PPN is committed to work towards dialogue as a means to bridge existing differences in Papua and beyond.

ENDS