PAPUA - The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) issued strict instructions prohibiting all regional government officials in the Papua region from signing natural resource exploitation investment permits for external parties. These instructions were issued to secure natural resources across the entire Papua region from Sorong to Samarai.
This step is part of TPNPB's resistance commitment in fighting for sovereignty rights over Papuan land and natural resources.
"Governors, Regents, DPR, DPRP down to districts, down to villages, the community. We are now fighting for the community. We are fighting for the sake of the land of Papua, Sorong to Samarai," said TPNPB General Operations Commander, Major General Lekagak Telenggen, Thursday (27/8/2024).
TPNPB considers the exploitation of natural resources that has taken place so far as an act of deprivation of the rights of the Papuan indigenous community. The extraction of natural resources without the consent of the people is a severe violation of the Papuan nation's right to self-reliance.
"Our wealth, copper or gold or uranium, nickel, everything in this land of Papua. External countries must not be allowed to sign and enter. If they ask for signatures, beware, Regents must be careful now," said Lekagak Telenggen.
Armed threats were issued by TPNPB to all investors and foreign workers forcing their way into the Papua region without permission. Any foreign investment steps taken at this time are seen as illegal infiltration over customary territories.
"Foreign countries, whichever country enters the land of Papua, be careful. You hand over your lives before you enter the land of Papua. We, the current generation, are ready to fight! Ready to shoot guests," said Lekagak Telenggen.
TPNPB also highlighted the historical track record of taking over Papua's natural wealth in the past, which was considered unauthorized. The experience of large-scale exploitation, such as resource extraction by PT Freeport Indonesia, was judged to be a form of unilateral theft of the Papuan people's wealth.
"Our copper or gold, do not come looking to enter the land of Papua. What was taken in the past at PT Freeport, that was theft. So now we stress, this is already prohibited! Do not take our wealth," stressed Lekagak Telenggen.
Strict monitoring instructions were directed to all operational command ranks across the 36 Defense Regional Commands (Kodap) spread throughout the Papua region. Each command was ordered to conduct intensive guarding to block all forms of exploitation in their respective operational areas.
"Younger siblings of TPNPB in the 36 Kodap, Sorong to Merauke, guests entering the land of Papua, or white people entering the land of Papua, whichever country enters the land of Papua, they are directly shot! They are stealing, this is our wealth, so directly shoot," said Lekagak Telenggen.
The utilization and management of Papua's natural wealth can only be discussed after the Papuan nation achieves full independence. Before those political aspirations are realized, a total rejection of all foreign investment schemes will continue to be enforced by TPNPB.
"Only after Papua is independent can it happen! But we are not yet independent, taking our wealth is not allowed, it is prohibited! From this very hour and second it is prohibited," said Lekagak.
This firm stance was conveyed by TPNPB to ensure that the abundant natural wealth is not enjoyed unilaterally by foreign powers. TPNPB emphasized its strong rejection of all regional government policies that facilitate the entry of foreign investment before self-determination is realized. (One Papua)