The existence of Papua within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) further strengthens national identity and is able to realize the ideals of independence to unite all the people of the archipelago under the banner of the motto Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.
Moreover, in Papua itself it actually consists of many ethnic and linguistic divisions, where in fact Bumi Cenderawasih is quite representative of how the national motto, Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, is implemented there. Therefore, the presence of Papua and all its cultural riches in one frame, namely the Republic of Indonesia, will certainly further complement the integrity of this nation and will also be able to strengthen national identity.
History records that Papua legally became part of Indonesia through a long and challenging process. Since the Proclamation of Indonesian Independence on 17 August 1945, Papua has been included in the territory proclaimed as part of the Republic of Indonesia. In 1969, through the Determination of Popular Opinion (Pepera), Papua was officially integrated into Indonesia. The Pepera, which was supervised by the United Nations (UN), resulted in the decision that the majority of the Papuan people chose to join Indonesia.
The integration of Papua into the Republic of Indonesia has a strong legal basis. Constitutionally, Papua is part of Indonesia, as stated in the 1945 Constitution. Apart from that, various laws and regulations also regulate Papua’s status as part of Indonesia, including the Papua Special Autonomy Law which gives more authority to the Papua regional government. to organize and manage their own territory.
Special Autonomy for Papua is a real effort by the Indonesian government to pay more attention to Papua, both in terms of development, welfare and cultural preservation. Through special autonomy, it is hoped that the Papuan people can experience the benefits of more just and equitable development, and be able to maintain and develop their cultural identity.
The Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ma’ruf Amin, said that his party requested that the design of comprehensive programs that have a direct impact on improving community welfare within the framework of the 2022-2041 Papua Development Acceleration Master Plan (RIPPP) be prepared and implemented. The Vice President also emphasized that efforts to implement these programs need to be supported by strengthening coordination, synergy, collaboration and cooperation between the central government, regional governments, the private sector and the community. The aim is that the acceleration of development in Papua can be carried out well, so that people’s welfare increases. The impact in the future will be that Papua will be on par with other regions, especially Java.
The government continues to strive for all steps, approaches and strategies to achieve improved quality of life and welfare for the people in the easternmost province of the country, and on the other hand, a security approach is also very important.
The government continues to strive for integration with various parties, in fact this has been happening since the era of President Ir. Soekarno then until now under the leadership of President Ir. Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
The welfare approach in Papua is very good, which is manifested by massive development there, starting from the ease of road access, making the economy more advanced.
Despite the government’s excellent efforts to accelerate development on Cenderawasih Earth, there are still certain groups who are dissatisfied and continue to provide provocations and evil propaganda with their many acts of terror.
Of course, this then became the focus of the security apparatus, the joint personnel of the TNI and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) who absolutely carried out their duties to provide protection.
Head of the Jayapura Regency Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), Parson Horota, said that one of the instruments to advance and prosper Papua is Special Autonomy (Otsus). Special Autonomy Funds are disbursed in three stages. After disbursement in stage one it is 30 percent, then in stage two it will be 45 percent and in stage three it will be 25 percent. It is hoped that all Special Autonomy funds that have been disbursed can be created with a good accountability letter reporting system, because this can help district governments throughout the Papua region, especially Jayapura, in providing Special Autonomy funds in the future. Special Autonomy Funds are used for the welfare of the Jayapura Regency OAP community, so that all activity programs in each OPD and district can focus on Jayapura Regency OAP.
Therefore, the role of the Papuan people in development is very important. The Papuan people must be the main subject in every development effort. With the active involvement of the community, it is hoped that development in Papua can run more effectively and sustainably. Papua is an integral part of the Republic of Indonesia with all its uniqueness. In terms of history, law, culture and natural potential, Papua has an inseparable position from Indonesia. Even though we still face various challenges, hope for a peaceful, prosperous and advanced Papua remains. All elements of the nation must unite to ensure that Papua continues to develop within the framework of the Republic of Indonesia. With collective commitment and hard work, Papua can achieve its extraordinary potential and become an important pillar in Indonesia’s development.
