Andrei Maryen

Lack of education
The implementation of education here is not meeting with the local wisdom and culture. Indigenous Papuans are always to be considered to be left behind and not having the ability, skills and character to learn new things. The existing standards and systems are expected to be the same as in the central region, that circumstance lowers the level of participation of indigenous Papuans.

High social jealousy
The difference in living standards between native Papuans and immigrants is very high, this has resulted in high social jealousy. Local people are considered to be less competitive, so they are rarely involved in development and economic activities.

Violence and crime due to alcohol
The high rate of unemployment has resulted in the occurrence of violence and crime in Papua – many indigenous Papuans find it very difficult to get decent work for their daily needs. Only a few can work in government and private companies. The habit of consuming alcohol has become a culture here, consuming alcohol irresponsibly is one of the roots of the violence and crime problems.

Lack of job opportunities
As already mentioned, there is a stigma that native Papuans are difficult to regulate and there is a lack of competence. That causes less career opportunities. This is an obstacle for Papuan people who really have the competencies needed in the workspace.

Lack of health and nutrition
A broad understanding of health and nutrition is lacking due to the economic circumstances. Also limited knowledge about nutritional facts causes the lack of a healthy living standard from an early age on. Many Papuans are not getting adequate nutrition form early childhood on.

Loss of identity
Many young people have begun to leave their culture and identity behind. They think the Papuan culture is outdated and old, so they are starting to turn their backs on Papuan culture and enhancing their interest in foreign cultures.

Exploitation of nature and destruction of the environment
Investment activities and business development have a lot of impact on environmental damage due to massive exploitation of natural resources in Papua. Business interests often do not pay attention to environmental sustainability.

In my opinion, the issues that occure in Papua, especially regarding social injustice and humanitary violations, have not received significant attention from the international community. This is due to less valid information from existing media and the difficulty to access information in all regions in all regions. What needs to change is the treatment and the involvement of indigenous Papuans in making policies in various fields of life; according to the character and culture of Papua.

In my opinion, most Indonesian people don't understand the root of the problems that occure in West Papua. All kinds of resistance are associated with politics and always regarded as a treasonous act. Native West Papuans are demanding one basic thing: to be able to get a more decent life in their homeland.

Most of the problems that occure in West Papua are different to those of other regions in Indonesia. There is a historical background that must be straightened. On the other side there are similarities between West Papua and the other regions in Indonesia for example environmental exploitation and damage.

I am personally affected by this conflict. I find it difficult for me to develop my full potential properly because of the existing stereotype most Indonesian people have towards Papuans. For example, as a musician I am having some difficulty expressing myself because of the oppinion some people have on my art. When I write songs that contain social or human criticism, it is always associated with political issues.

According to my answer at number five, I feel hesitant to speak openly through my music. Due to political issues that occurred.

I believe that someday all the people will open their mind and be united in diversity. Together we can create a better life in the future.