Jayapura, Jubi – The Central Papua provincial government has called on young people in the region to strengthen nationalism and unity.

The appeal was delivered by Alantino Wiya, Assistant I for Government and Social Affairs at the Central Papua Regional Secretariat, representing Governor Meki Nawipa, during the opening of a national insight seminar.

The seminar was organized by the Central Papua chapter of Barisan Merah Putih Republik Indonesia (BMP RI) at the RRI Hall in Nabire on Wednesday.

Participants included members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda), as well as community leaders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, youth figures, students, and youth organizations across Central Papua.

Wiya said the seminar served as an important moment to strengthen unity, nationalism, and historical awareness among young people in Central Papua.

“The Central Papua provincial government appreciates the organizers for holding a seminar that is very important for the nation’s journey in Papua,” he said.

He added that the event coincides with reflections on May 1, 1963, marking a significant moment in Papua’s historical trajectory and a shared responsibility to advance infrastructure development and improve public welfare in the region.

“The unity we enjoy today was born from a long struggle through diplomatic channels, political pressure, and various other efforts to safeguard the integrity of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” he said.

He said the seminar was also intended to refresh the nation’s collective memory, ensuring that history and the struggles of past generations are not forgotten, while educating young people to understand the historical process in a comprehensive way.

Wiya added that the national insight seminar aimed to strengthen the spirit of nationalism amid diversity, maintaining unity within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

“The Central Papua provincial government invites all participants, especially the younger generation, not to remain passive listeners, but to become critical thinkers, actively engage in discussions, and understand today’s social and geopolitical dynamics,” he said.

Wiya emphasized that the younger generation must not remain unaware of history, but instead use it as a foundation for building a peaceful, advanced, and prosperous future for Central Papua.

The Central Papua provincial government also called on all elements of society to work together in developing the region—advancing physically, strengthening unity, ensuring equitable welfare, and upholding dignity within the national framework. (*)