Indonesia's Home Affairs Ministry Denies Hoax on Redefining Indigenous Papuans

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) has declared that information circulating among the public regarding plans to redefine Indigenous Papuans (Orang Asli Papua, or OAP) is false or a 'hoax.' The Ministry stated that there is no news, statement, or plan from Kemendagri to formulate or change the definition of OAP. Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, Ribka Haluk, said in a press statement in Jakarta on Friday (11/9/), "We should all know that legally, the definition of Indigenous Papuans is already regulated in Article 1 letter t of Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua Province." Ribka explained that the provisions regarding OAP have also been regulated in the amendment of Law Number 21 of 2001 through Law Number 2 of 2021. According to her, the definition of OAP in these provisions remains the same, so there has been no change made by Kemendagri or the government. "The definition of Indigenous Papuans remains the same, there is no change. Therefore, there is no Ministry of Home Affairs or government making changes mid-way, nor intending to do so regarding the definition of Indigenous Papuans," she stated. For this reason, Ribka asked the public not to believe information that mentions efforts by Kemendagri to set a new definition for OAP. Ribka said that Kemendagri is open to providing explanations if there are still parties questioning the information. "So, this circulating news, I can say it's a hoax. Therefore, we officially state that there are no plans for the Ministry of Home Affairs to change the definition of Indigenous Papuans," Ribka added. Furthermore, she highlighted the formation of public opinion that, in her view, is directed as if there are differences or conflicts between ministries regarding the definition of OAP. She assured that this narrative is untrue. Ribka invited the public, especially in Papua, not to be influenced by information that cannot be accounted for. The public is welcome to contact Kemendagri if they need clarification on this issue. "If anyone is still asking or doubting, please feel free to contact us and we will explain," she said. At the end of her statement, she reconfirmed that there are no plans for a latest redefinition of OAP by Kemendagri. "I emphasize here, I ensure that information and opinions related to the latest redefinition for Indigenous Papuans are completely non-existent," she concluded. Source: CNN Indonesia