By: Yusak Wanggai) *
The government plans to re-divide Papua. In addition to being the aspirations of the people, regional expansion in Papua is considered important, in order to accelerate development and solutions to equalize welfare. Expansion of an area is seen as an innovation to accelerate development through improving the quality and ease of obtaining services for the community. This regional expansion is part of an effort to develop the ability of regional governments to reduce the range of government control so that it is judged to increase the effectiveness of government administration and development management.
The function of the expansion of an area is, the desire to present services to the public better, as seen from the area of limited or measured authority. Through this system it is hoped that the service area will be wider, but still in regional development planning on a more insular scale. So that public service will be more available to local needs. In addition, regional expansion will help accelerate economic growth, through rectification of the regional economic development framework. including the Absorption of labor on a larger scale can also be categorized as the benefits of this division, even with the government sector in fiber sharing in the fields of government and politics.
Based on this function, the government approved the planned expansion of the region in Bumi Cendrawasih as a first step towards equitable distribution of welfare. Therefore, all elements of society are expected to provide support for this breakthrough. In the opinion of the General Chairman of the Cilangkahan Bakor Eri Djuhaeri his party stated that, the expansion of this region would have an impact on reducing poverty and unemployment. Regional expansion is one of the important aspects of the implementation of regional autonomy, which is in accordance with the provisions of Government Regulation No. 78 of 2007. That is, concerning the division of provinces, districts or cities. Regional expansion is important to be realized because it is an effort in realizing effective and efficient governance. In addition, it will be effective for the achievement of the even distribution of public welfare
A similar opinion was expressed by Tito Karbavian, as Minister of the Interior. He stated that the planned expansion of the Papua region was aimed at accelerating development there. Tito said that the division of Papua was one of the aspirations of the people who wanted equitable development in their spilled land. In addition, they also want their regions to be safer from crime. He added that during his visit yesterday in Papua, there had been a communication with the Governor of Papua. The Governor of Papua also agreed if the division was carried out. Namely, in areas that include Merauke, Mapi, Asmat, Boven to Digul. The region was chosen because it already has five districts and cities. That is the main requirement for pemekaran. It was also mentioned that in Papua there were seven big tribes asking for this plan to be implemented immediately, and of course the Governor agreed to it.
Although there has been a green light from the people of Papua, it does not want to rush to decide too early in the process of pemekaran. Tito stressed that there will be further studies along with careful consideration. If it is good to carry out pemekaran, then it will be done in stages according to the availability of funds. Referring to a number of literatures, the benchmark of whether or not an area is advanced can be seen from how the welfare of its population. One parameter that can be used as a basis for the region to make progress is the availability of adequate infrastructure and is able to support the needs of its citizens.
Acceptable infrastructure services are considered to improve community welfare. Because the scope of infrastructure includes an inseparable series. Among other things, are educational facilities, social culture, health facilities and others. Which role is needed by the community to achieve a better life. The welfare of the community is also not a matter of one or two things. Because true prosperity has a fairly complex circuit. If this division is the right solution, then there is no reason not to support this program to run immediately. Many complaints about the lack of welfare felt by the people of Bumi Cendrawasih are considered as the background of President Jokowi to immediately launch the expansion plan.
Thus, the acceleration of regional development through pemekaran is considered quite effective. Considering, the supporting infrastructure will certainly be maximized. So that in the future there will be no more gaps arising from the unequal wheel of economic growth. In addition, Papua is intended to be “independent” like other regions in Indonesia.
) * The writer is a Papuan student living in Jakarta