Special UN Rapporteur Visits Papua, Hears Indigenous Concerns

TEMPO.CO, Jayapura - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Albert Kwokwo Barume, visited Jayapura, Papua, for a two-day meeting. Initiated by the Indigenous Peoples Alliance of the Archipelago (AMAN), the gathering allowed Barume to hear complaints and testimonies from indigenous Papuans impacted by oil palm concessions and national strategic projects.

Barume, who has served as a UN Special Rapporteur since December 2024, can conduct both official and unofficial visits. His trip to Papua was categorized as an informal or "academic visit". He explained that the key difference is the limitations imposed when visiting a country without an official invitation from the host government.

"The difference is when you visit a country without the government's acceptance, there are things you cannot say and things you cannot do," Barume told indigenous people in Jayapura on Friday, July 4, 2025. "But I can listen and observe, and I think that's enough," he added.

During such unofficial visits, Barume is restricted from commenting on the country's overall situation. This means he has the freedom to observe and listen to the experiences of indigenous peoples, but cannot officially evaluate the government's actions.

Albert encouraged the attendees to speak freely about their conditions. "If you ask about Indonesia, I cannot answer. But you can say anything because you are freer than I am," he remarked.

Barume stressed the importance of understanding the distinction between official and unofficial missions. Nevertheless, he believes unofficial missions are equally valuable because they allow him and his team to directly observe the situation of indigenous communities. "Then, I can discuss with the government based on what I have heard and seen," Barume explained.

The UN Special Rapporteur stated that his mandate is to amplify the voices of the people. "I hear from you, and what I hear from you, I bring it to higher authorities. That is the only power I have," Barume said.

Meanwhile, Rukka Sombolinggi, Secretary-General of AMAN, expressed hope that Barume's presence would help unveil the issues faced by indigenous peoples in Papua, which have largely remained hidden until now. Rukka emphasized that the world, and particularly Indonesians, need to understand what is truly happening to these communities.

She asserted that all Indonesians are entitled to a better life. "But it does not mean that in order to have a better life, we can stand by and drain the blood, tears, and rights of our brothers and sisters, the indigenous peoples in Papua," Rukka stated.

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