Publication

This briefing examines the Papuan People's Council, which is the centerpiece of the November 2001 Indonesian law on special autonomy. The authors warn that this key institution charged with easing tensions between Papuans and Indonesia's central government may be close to collapsing. They point out that the council is the most representative body to emerge so far and has the support of key Papuan institutions although it has faced huge challenges shortly after its already delayed birth. Given the region's current volatility, this briefing argues that if this institution does not become a dialogue partner with Jakarta, its legitimacy would diminish and the Papuan resentment against the Indonesian government would increase.