International Law Expert Prof. Eddy Pratomo: KSTP's Efforts To Promote Unfounded Referendum

International law expert Prof. Eddy Pratomo said that the efforts of the Papuan Terrorist Separatist Group (KSTP) in calling for a referendum were completely unfounded.

"The desire of a handful of groups for a referendum for Papua is no longer self-determination but belongs to the category of separatism," as quoted by ANTARA Friday morning.

In fact, it is not only national law that prohibits a referendum for Papua, but international law also states that, said the former Ambassador to Germany who is currently the Dean of the Faculty of Law at Pancasila University.

According to him, a referendum on self-determination can only be carried out in the context of colonialism, and this has been carried out by Papua together with all other regions of the Republic of Indonesia together on August 17, 1945.

Regarding the context of "self-determination" in international law, an entity can separate itself from the state only for colonial countries used for exploitation, not for sovereign states.

"Meanwhile, the separation of Papua from Indonesia cannot be done because Indonesia is a sovereign country," he explained.

In addition, Indonesia has also fulfilled respect for internal self-determination because it has given special autonomy in Papua which embodies the rule of law, protection of human rights and improvement and prosperity.

Therefore, if there is an attempt to break away from Indonesian sovereignty by campaigning for secession, it has no legal basis under international law.

Meanwhile, one of the Papuan youth leaders, Gazali Renngiwur, said that the sense of nationality and patriotism is getting stronger in Papua. Moreover, Bumi Cenderawasih was trusted to host the XX National Sports Week (PON).

"This event also gives the spirit of nationalism and a sense of nationalism to all Papuans that we are part of Indonesia," he said.

Therefore, he said, nationalism in Papua must always be fostered with a welfare approach and eliminate racism.

SOURCE: https://indonesiatimur.id/2021/12/03/pakar-law-internasional-prof-eddy-pratomo-usaha-kstp-gaungkan-referendum-no-berdasar/