Social gap between Papua and other regions still exists

Jayapura: After almost 16 years, the Special Autonomy Law has not solved the social gap between Papua and other regions in Indonesia.

The Special Autonomy Law is also a materialisation of the highest recognition from the Indonesian Government towards Papuan people, especially the indigenous people.

It is expected to provide opportunities and broaden the participation of indigenous Papuans in all areas of development. However, in reality, many Papuans believed it has not achieved its purpose. But Papua Governor Lukas Enembe wanted to retain it.

The Second Secretary of Papua Customary Council, John NR Gobai said the authority of Special Autonomy Law wasn’t running optimal because of overlapping rules or double standard.

“We are really different with Aceh, for instance in the use of full authority of Special Autonomy. In Papua, it is not firmed, and so many interventions from the Central Government to Papua,” he told Jubi in Abepura last Saturday (2/4/2016).

According to Gobai who also the Paniai Regional Customary Council Chief, each Perdasus (Special Regional Regulation) or Perdasi (Provincial Regulation) always need to be consulted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, therefore speaking on Papua Special Autonomy is clearly to be cut by the Central Government.

He said the Central Government believes in ‘spies’ in Papua than the Regional Government. He gave example on the conflict of mining permits that are still overlapping between the authority of Papua Governor and the regents.

“It is happening because of the appliance of two regulations, namely the Law of Regional Government and Special Autonomy Law in Papua Province,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Indonesian councillor of Papua representative, Rev Charles Simaremare, firmly said in line with the rejection of Special Autonomy by Papuan people and Papua provincial civil servants happened because the implementation of Papua Special Autonomy was not run properly. The authority has not been fully given to the Provincial Government as the administrator.

As its reference is not clear, he added, many Special Regional Regulations are certainly not running yet.

“Because if talking about Papua Special Autonomy, it should involve a huge authority and the important role of people also needs to be improved to prosperity,” he said. (Abeth You/rom)
Source:
West Papua Daily