Security Policy Transformation to Accelerate the Achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Papua
Authors: Rudy Elphis , Adang Supriyadi Asep 
Published: January 2025

Background: The Papua region of Indonesia presents a complex challenge for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 16, which emphasizes peace, justice, and strong institutions as foundational to sustainable development. Persistent security issues, fueled by the activities of Papua Separatist Groups, have disrupted governance, infrastructure, and societal well-being. These groups, designated as separatist organizations by the Indonesian government, frequently target civilians, public facilities, and security personnel, exacerbating instability and impeding development efforts. Despite implementing measures such as military operations, coercive diplomacy, and the provision of Special Autonomy Funds, the conflict persists, highlighting the limitations of current approaches in addressing the region&rsquo;s socio-political and economic complexities. Furthermore, systemic inequalities, political grievances, and the marginalization of local voices further aggravate the situation, undermining efforts to build inclusive and resilient institutions. The urgent need for a transformative and multidimensional strategy is evident, and one that integrates hard power, smart power, and human security principles is needed. Such an approach must address the root causes of conflict while fostering stability, trust, and sustainable development. By aligning security efforts with SDG 16, this study explores culturally inclusive and adaptive strategic solutions to ensure a peaceful and just society in Papua, paving the way for the broader achievement of the SDGs across the region. Methods: This study employs a qualitative methodology with a literature review framework supported by a thematic analysis of scholarly works, government policies, and regional data. Data collection is enriched by triangulation, incorporating semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders and analyses of policy documents. To develop comprehensive solutions, this research study assesses the interplay between coercive and non-coercive strategies within human security and strategic culture frameworks. Findings: The findings reveal that current security measures in Papua, dominated by military-focused strategies, often fail to address the root causes of conflict, including socio-economic disparities and political grievances. Approaches integrating hard power with human-centric initiatives, such as community engagement and inclusive governance, show promise in reducing tensions and fostering stability. Strategic cultural adaptations, which respect local traditions and involve community leaders in decision-making processes, have the potential to bridge trust gaps and create long-term solutions. Conclusion: An integrative strategy combining hard power, smart power, and strategic cultural adaptations is essential for addressing the Papua conflict. Enhancing stakeholder collaboration, promoting transparency, and strengthening local governance capacities are pivotal in achieving stability and supporting sustainable development. The proposed framework aims to reduce conflict intensity while aligning security efforts with the region&rsquo;s socio-cultural context and developmental goals. The novelty/originality of this study is as follows: This study emphasizes the significance of adopting a multidimensional, culturally aware approach to managing security challenges in Papua. Integrating strategic culture into security and development frameworks offers innovative insights for resolving protracted conflicts in regions characterized by complex socio-political dynamics.