By: Jeremiah Kogoya) *
The government is committed to building superior human resources in various regions of the archipelago, including in Papua. One proof is reflected in the fulfillment of the aspirations of Papuan leaders. The Papuan community leader who also serves as Chairman of the Jayapura City DPRD Ab Rol Rollo, expressed his aspirations to President Joko Widodo at the State Palace on September 10, 2019. Before submitting his demands, he also appealed to the government’s attention to continually improve the quality of human resources in Papua.
Good quality human resources, according to him, become something important for the people of Papua to be able to manage the wealth that exists in Cenderawasih Earth. Abisai also emphasized that quality human resources are more important for the future of Papua in the long run than natural resources, which will in fact diminish and even run out someday.
On this occasion he conveyed to President Jokowi to issue a presidential decree for the appointment of honorary human resources in the Land of Papua, Propose a revision of the special autonomy law (OTSUS) in Prolegnas 2020, endorsing the Papuan Women’s and Children’s Customary Institutions and there are still 6 other demands. In connection with the revision of the OTSUS law, the Ministry of Home Affairs (Mendagri) said it had conducted an evaluation study of the special autonomy of Papua and West Papua. He admitted that he did not regulate the technical use of the special autonomy fund, only giving an appeal regarding priority scale.
It is known, the implementation of special autonomy has been running since the enactment of law No. 21 of 2001 concerning special autonomy for the province of Papua (the Papua Special Autonomy Law). The law was later changed in a government regulation in lieu of Law (Perpu) No. 1 of 2008 which also served as a legal umbrella for the special autonomy region of Papua. Tjahjo also ensured that his ministry had made an evaluation relating to the implementation of the policy.
This was conveyed by Tjahjo, when asked for a response regarding Papuan leaders to President Joko Widodo or Jokowi, to include the proposed revision of the Papua Special Autonomy Law into the National legislation program later in 2020. Regarding the establishment of traditional institutions for Papuan women and children, Jokowi said that this could accelerate the protection of children and women.
This is felt to be important because women and children in Papua still experience physical, psychological and sexual violence. In addition, gender issues such as stereotyping marginalization, subordination and double burden are also experienced by many women in Papua. The high value of the dowry determined in marriage can be a burden and prevent women from getting married.
The impact of sex outside marriage is increasing and leads to a new problem, namely the birth of children without a birth certificate. As a result, many areas in Papua are classified as unfit for children. Of course it is appropriate, the proposal submitted by Abisai is a consideration for Jokowi in improving welfare in Papua and West Papua
Regarding the world of employment, President Jokowi also said he would force large state-owned enterprises (BUMN) and private companies to employ 1000 graduates from Papua and West Papua who had just graduated. Meanwhile, the government also responded about the issuance of the Presidential Instruction of Honorary appointment in Papua and West Papua to become civil servants including positions in echelon 1, 2 and 3. positions President Jokowi said it would be processed later along with other provinces outside Java.
Meanwhile, the President’s special staff for Papua, Lenis Kogoya, dismissed the notion that Papua Province was ignored during the Jokowi era. He considered, the current government is very concerned with Papua. Lenis also appreciated a number of programs launched by the Jokowi government, including matching fuel prices in Papua with other regions.
He also said that President Jokowi was also serious in developing human resources in Papua. Where there are 1,500 Papuan children who are sent to school for free to Manado. Chairman of the Religious Harmony Forum Father Yohanes said the 9 requests could not be a benchmark to build peace and reduce conflict in Papua.
He said, in Merauke he was trying to reduce aspirations so that they were sufficient at the level of voicing problems and not damaging. He appealed and invited all parties to be responsible for maintaining security. Papua needs welfare, both with development in all sectors, infrastructure such as roads, airports, communications to assistance such as housing. We must also believe that the Government will not ignore the problems that exist in Papua and West Papua.
) * The writer is a Papuan student, living in Jakarta