ABSTRACT
Introduction Our examination of torture has revealed that torture constitutes a mode of governance. The governance of torture contains not only one single monolithic power relation but three different interrelated layers of asymmetric power relations: macro-structural, micro psychic-individual and mezzo-communal levels. Therefore, the framework of the theatre of torture is a useful tool for us to analyse the three different areas of power relations as represented by the complex interactions of the narratives of survivors-perpetrators-spectators. However, the foregoing discussion has not dealt with the question of how we can address and possibly dismantle the governmentality of torture to create a theatre of peacebuilding as a means to craft a ‘better future’ for Papua. This is a very challenging question as the history of Papuan peacebuilding is still in the making. Therefore, this chapter will not pretend to provide a definite answer. Rather, it will explore possibilities of strengthening and maximising the existing theatre of peacebuilding in Papua. As opposed to the theatre of torture which is heavily influenced and to a large extent governed by the domineering power of the Indonesian state, the theatre of peacebuilding will build on Metz’s theory of memoria passionis and theology of revolt as a politics of hope. We will start by reviewing the Papua Land of Peace framework to assess its strengths and limitations before exploring the challenges of building peace in a prolonged conflict situation like Papua informed by three different empirical studies: Susanne Karstedt’s Violent Society Index, John Braithwaite’s Peacebuilding Compared, and Erica Chenoweth and Maria Stephan’s study on non-violent resistance. Drawing on the narratives of warrior, agent, caregiver and observer (see Chapter 5), we will then analyse three alternative narratives (solidarity, healing, and revolt). This lays foundations for the architecture of the theatre of peacebuilding as a long-term and holistic strategy to dismantle the theatre of torture facilitated by a permanent national truth and reconciliation commission for Papua (TRCP).
