By : Veronica Lokbere )*
The government is accelerating development in Papua by enacting a Presidential Decree, in May 2023. With this Presidential Decree, it will become a strong legal umbrella for Papua’s future progress. Development is carried out in the short, medium and long term, and is very useful for the people of Papua so that their region can be even more developed.
Acceleration of development is the government’s mission in order to advance Papua. With acceleration, there will be an even distribution of development which is highly expected by the people of Cendrawasih Earth. Do not let the difference in progress between western and eastern Indonesia. Development is not only in Java, but is being carried out from Sabang to Merauke.
To accelerate the development process in Papua, the government passed Presidential Decree number 24 of 2023, on April 17, 2023. This Presidential Decree stipulates that the acceleration of Papua’s development is carried out in the short term (1 year), medium (5 years) and long term.
In Presidential Decree number 24 of 2023 it is also stated that the accelerated development of Papua is carried out in the form of transportation infrastructure projects, electricity, clean water, telecommunications, and environmental sanitation. Then, the source of development funds comes from APBN, APBD, and Special Autonomy funds.
With the Presidential Decree, it shows that the government is really serious in accelerating the development of Papua. Perpres is a strong legal basis and cannot be replaced. So, whoever the president can’t just change it.
President Jokowi loves Papua and wants the people of Cendrawasih to progress, one way is by accelerating development. He authorized the Prepres so that development in Papua would continue even after 2024 (when he is no longer in office).
Meanwhile, Deputy President KH Ma’ruf Amin stated that he inaugurated 6 members of the Steering Committee for the Acceleration of Development of Special Autonomy for Papua (BP3OKP) in Jakarta on Monday (29/5/2023). The inauguration was carried out based on the Decree of the President of the Republic of Indonesia Number 15/M of 2023 concerning the appointment of six members of the BP3OKP which was determined by President Jokowi on April 5, 2023.
The six BP3OKP members include: Alberth Yoku, representative for Papua Province, Irene Manibuy, representative for West Papua Province, Yoseph Yanowo Yolmen, representative for South Papua Province, Pietrus Waine, representative for Central Papua Province, Hantor Matuan, representative for the Papua Mountains Province, and Otto Ihalauw, representative of Southwest Papua Province.
The term of office for BP3OKP membership from representatives of each province in the Papua region is 5 years. It is hoped that the BP3OKP will be able to oversee the master plan for accelerating development in Papua for the next 20 years and accommodate the aspirations of the Papuan people.
Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of West Papua, Paulus Waterpauw hopes that there will be collaboration between BP3OKP and the Regional Government to accommodate various community aspirations. From the infrastructure side, he also hopes that BP3OKP can encourage the procurement of rail transportation in Papua, just like what was launched in South Sulawesi.
With the BP3OKP, the acceleration of Papua’s development will materialize more quickly. Moreover, the source of the funds is not only the APBN and APBD but also the Special Autonomy funds. With accelerated development, Papua will be more advanced, both in terms of infrastructure in the field of communication and transportation (as expected by Paulus Waterpauw).
Meanwhile, Mesakh Mirin, a member of the DPR RI from the electoral district of Papua, stated that accelerating Papua’s development, especially in the infrastructure sector, will increase access to development. As a result, people’s welfare also increases.
Why is it necessary to improve the people’s welfare by improving infrastructure? The reason is because if the road is good then the economy is smooth, because the delivery of merchandise is faster. Moreover, Papua’s geographical conditions are still difficult and there are not as many roads as in Java. If there are many roads, the relationship between districts and regencies will be easier and sales of sago and other agricultural products will be faster.
Even distribution of development must be carried out because those who have received a touch of modernization are not only in Jayapura, Merauke, or Wamena. But it also reaches Yahukimo and other areas in Papua. Development must be carried out to remote areas so that people can feel the benefits.
Infrastructure that is made in the context of equitable development is not just roads and bridges. But also electricity, internet network, and various other facilities. Society will advance in various fields because it will receive support from the government, and Papuans will no longer be synonymous with life that is still traditional and out of date.
In order to advance Papua, in addition to accelerating development, regional division is also necessary. If there is a new province, there will be mass development that has a positive impact on the community, and they will be more advanced. Papuans can enjoy good roads, bridges, internet networks, and various other infrastructures.
The government is accelerating the development of Papua by passing a Presidential Decree, so that there is a strong legal basis. After that there was massive development, especially in the infrastructure sector. Communities in Cendrawasih Land will be able to use the Trans Papua road and other roads, which will improve their economy. Infrastructure is the key to regional progress, including in Papua.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
