Jayapura, Jubi – Students in Papua admitted that they were not familiar with national heroes of Papua origin who have been recognized by the government for their role in liberating West Papua.
The phenomenon was revealed when hundreds of people gathered at Taman Imbi, Jayapura City to celebrate 52 years after West Papua joined Indonesia on May 1. The celebration however did not appear to be genuine.
A high school 10th grade student in Jayapura City, Dechard P Ruhmakioto, said he knew about national heroes of Papuan orgin but he just didn’t know their details.
“I only know there are three national heroes of Papua origin. They are Frans Kaisiepo, Marthen Indey and Papare,” he told Jubi in Abepura.
Meanwhile, another high school student in Jayapura City, Yunita P. Kesaulia, similarly said she recognized only three national heroes of Papua origin, which she learned from school. “They are Marthen Indey, Silas Papare and Frans Kaisepo. That’s all I learned from school,” she said.
She further said they are the great heroes. They had merit to the Indonesian people; therefore we should study and work hard to give honor to their sacrifice.
The university student Maria even does not know about the national heroes of Papua origin except the Papuan leading figures. “I don’t know and don’t remember who they are. But I knew Goliat Tabuni, Theys Eluay, Bucthar Tabuni and Mako Tabuni who shot dead at Waena. But I don’t know the others,” she told Jubi at Waena.
Meanwhile, a high school’s history teacher in Jayapura City, Alfonsia P Onim, said she always teaches her students about Indonesian nationalism and the figures of national hero who died in battle for this republic.
“Through such lesson they had at school, the students are expected to recognize the heroes’ sacrifice and honor the independence they fought for by being loyal to this country,” she said.
For information, the national heroes of Papua origin are Silas Papare, Frans Kaisiepo, Marthen Indey and J. Abraham Dimara. (Arnold Belau/rom)
