Tanah Adalah “Rahim” Perempuan Papua

Abstract

Papua experiences turmoil almost every year and often becomes an interesting subject for public discourse. However, Papuans are powerless when it comes to determining their own future. For sixty years (1962-2022), Papuans have to survive amidst the smell of bloodshed and the sounds of gunshots, demonstrations, lamentations, and other commotions that hinder human development. These have invited various parties to gather and think for solutions for peace. Despite this, the ideology of “NKRI Harga Mati” (Non-negotiable Sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia) has gained more popularity than the humane concept of Pancasila. The conflict driven by populist ideology has created scars in the history of the indigenous people of Papua, especially for Papuan women. The 117 years (1905-2022) of the Gospel preached in Papua has not been sufficient to liberate the Papuans. The patriarchy that preaches justice and humanity is likened to a fashion show for false generosity. They cry out for justice and yet they oppress Papuan women. This experience calls for a theological reflection from the lives of Papuan women. In using Delores S. William’s womanist theological framework, the author will discover how God speaks in the history of Papuan women and how God acts through their being.