Papua, with its abundant natural riches and diverse culture, has become the main focus of the Indonesian government in its development efforts and the welfare of its people over the last few years. In an effort to advance this region, the government has launched various development programs aimed at improving the welfare of the Papuan people. One important aspect of this effort is the involvement of indigenous communities in development planning and implementation. This involvement is not only a step to ensure the success of the program, but also as a way of respecting the rights of indigenous peoples who have long been ignored.
Acting Regional Secretary or Acting Regional Secretary for Southwest Papua, Jhony Way, has just inaugurated the soft launching of the Transforming Empowered Papua project. The project was initiated by the Head of the Regional Development Planning, Research and Innovation Agency (Bapperida) for Southwest Papua, Rahman S.STP. , M.Si.
Acting Regional Secretary for Southwest Papua, Jhony Way, said that every activity or development program will be aligned with local wisdom and has potential, so that later this development context can provide benefits to indigenous communities. This change project has several strategic programs to encourage development in Southwest Papua, one of which is aligning all development programs and activities with local wisdom.
The Indonesian government has realized the important role of indigenous peoples in Papua’s development. Various policies have been adopted to ensure that the voices of indigenous peoples are heard and taken into account. So, the implementation of this project will also involve Papuan indigenous people in the development planning process. This is to encourage indigenous Papuan communities to be actively involved in the development planning of the province.
The involvement of indigenous communities in this project not only ensures that the project is implemented in a sustainable manner, but also increases their sense of ownership and responsibility for the project. This can be seen from the active participation of indigenous communities in road maintenance activities after the project is completed. They volunteer to help keep the road in good condition and usable by everyone.
In addition, Bapperida will simplify and standardize the planning and budgeting process so that decision making becomes more effective and implementation is accountable. Third, the Special Autonomy Fund Management OPD can improve the competence of regional policy formulators through Coaching Clinics.
Bapperida Papua Barat Daya Rahman stated that the implementation of this project involved Papuan indigenous communities in the development planning process. There are three main objectives of the design of the Empowered Papua change project, namely accommodating the proposed Special Autonomy policy through Musrenbang (Development Planning Conference) based on customary areas with a standard implementation format, implementing the planned Special Autonomy policy in accordance with the results of the regional Special Autonomy Deliberation and applicable regulations and being supported. by an integrated information system and coaching clinic.
Therefore, it is hoped that this project will create effective, efficient and transparent special autonomy fund governance. Indigenous communities and LMAs (Indigenous Community Institutions) can actively participate in the development planning process, ensuring that the resulting policies truly represent the needs and aspirations of the community.
However, involving indigenous communities in Papua’s development planning is not without challenges. One of the main challenges is the lack of understanding of the culture and value systems of indigenous peoples among decision makers. To overcome this challenge, the government needs to increase the capacity of decision makers to understand and respect the culture and rights of indigenous peoples. Apart from that, efforts are also needed to increase public awareness about the importance of involving indigenous communities in development.
In recent years, positive steps have been taken to address these challenges. The government has collaborated with various non-governmental institutions and civil society organizations to raise awareness about the rights of indigenous peoples and the importance of their inclusion in development. In addition, various education and training programs have also been launched to increase decision makers’ understanding of the culture and value systems of indigenous peoples.
By involving indigenous communities in Papua’s development planning, it is hoped that development in this region can run more effectively and sustainably. Indigenous peoples have local knowledge and wisdom that is very valuable in managing natural resources and the environment. Therefore, their involvement in every stage of development will not only ensure the success of the program, but also protect the cultural and environmental heritage in Papua.
In the future, it is hoped that the government will continue to increase efforts to involve indigenous communities in planning and implementing development in Papua. Thus, development in Papua will not only bring economic benefits, but also protect the rights and culture of indigenous peoples, and preserve the environment which is an important part of their lives. Involving indigenous communities in development is an important step towards a better and more sustainable future for Papua and all its people.
Papua’s development is not just about physical things, but also about developing people and strengthening communities. Through inclusive and sustainable programs, it is hoped that Papua can become a successful example of development that pays attention to community welfare, preserving culture and preserving the environment.
*) Papuan Students Live in Jakarta
