Welcoming XX PON, Papuan musicians invite Indonesia to be proud of Papua

All elements of society, especially millennials and young Papuans, enthusiastically welcomed the implementation of the XX Papua National Sports Week (PON) which will be held in the near future.

The appearance of the name Nagita Slavina, the wife of the famous artist Raffi Ahmad, became an icon of PON and the suggestion by Arie Kriting and other Papuans to include indigenous Papuan women in the grand event attracted the attention of all circles. Suddenly it aroused the sense of nationality of the Papuan people as part of the Indonesian nation. Until now, there are many Papuans who continue to work and excel with Indonesia and have the same opportunity to have culture in Indonesia.

“The polemic about the Papuan XX PON icon has made us realize that Papuans are very proud to be a part of Indonesian civilization which has unique characteristics like other regions. That Papua is very valuable and able to provide value to the Indonesian nation," said the organizing committee Ali A.H in a virtual talkshow organized by Channel INC TV (30/6/2021).

According to Ali, since the pre-independence era, Papua has been integrated with other regions of eastern Indonesia such as Sulawesi, Maluku, Nusa Tenggara and others in the Melanesian race. This means that Indonesia consists of various races, including the Melanesian race, so since time immemorial, Indonesia has removed racist barriers.

"Actually, Papuans are proud to be part of Indonesia, Papuan civilization is part of Indonesian civilization, so it is natural that in the XX PON in Papua, young people want to display a representation of Papuan indigenous cultural identity in the national performance," he said.

This is also evidence of the Menkopolhukam statement that Papuans are satisfied with Indonesia's policies in the easternmost province. In fact, 82% strongly agree with the existence of special autonomy and only 8%.

The spirit of nationalism as an Indonesian citizen was also felt by music producer and musician from Papua, Stephen Wally in the We Talkshow entitled "Papua and Civilizatioan: an Insider perspective" organized by Compass Media in collaboration with INC TV and NU Channel, 30 June 2021.

After going through a long journey, Stephen, who once composed a song for the late Glenn Fredly, felt compelled to raise the value of Papua so that he helped make songs from the East, especially from Papua. According to Stephen, cultural figures, influencers and other parties have the same task in developing Papua.

“It is time, we eliminate all stereotypes that are attached to us, Papuans. It's time for Papua to write a glorious history, making Indonesia proud from Papua. #Torangbisa." firmly the musician who has succeeded in introducing Papuan music in several countries.

Similarly, Sastro al Ngatawi explained clearly why Gus Dur took a cultural approach in embracing Papuans as part of Indonesia. According to him, Papua has always been a part of Indonesia and its talents have the same values ​​as other Indonesians. In addition, seeing Papua must also go through cultural language that can strengthen the relationship because what is touched is the heart (feeling) to share togetherness.

The cultural approach can also be used in the conflict in Papua because what culture touches is feelings, in contrast to political and military approaches because they ignore feelings themselves. “Our task now is to hone and process gold grains, pearls of civilization, pearls of culture in Papua and everywhere. Be proud to be a Papuan nation as part of Indonesia for the future of civilization," said the humanist who had accompanied Gus Dur.

The forum, which was broadcast live virtually on INC TV and NU Channel, featured singer and Indonesian Idol winner Nowela Mikhelia, Miss Papua 2006 Putri Nere, Papuan musician Stephen Wally, and humanist Sastro al Ngatawi, guided by eastern Indonesian artist and comedian Arie Kriting. "This forum is very important to foster mutual embrace, hand in hand, one for Papua," said Arie Kriting.

source : https://nasional.sindonews.com/read/471304/15/sambut-pon-xx-musisi-papua-ajak-harumkan-indonesia-dari-papua-1625119638/7