By : Recky Rumbiak )*
Accelerating Papua’s development has become one of the government’s main priorities in recent years. In this effort, the Government continues to strive to involve indigenous communities so that development goals can be provided as widely as possible to residents.
Indigenous communities in Papua, with all their local wisdom, have become an inseparable part of the government’s efforts to accelerate development. In several programs implemented, they are not only involved as beneficiaries, but also as main actors in forest and land conservation efforts, as well as sustainable management of natural resources.
One concrete example of this involvement is the Secure Papuan Indigenous Communities, Forests and Land (Amahuta) Program, which was initiated by the Limited Association for the Study and Empowerment of Indigenous Communities (Pt PPMA) Papua.
Through the Amahuta program, indigenous communities in Sarmi Regency, Papua, have played an active role in preserving forests and customary land which is an important part of their lives. This program aims to strengthen the position and role of indigenous communities, as well as ensure that their tenure or customary rights remain protected.
The traditional community in Sarmi Regency itself consists of five large tribes, namely Sobey, Armati, Rumbuai, Manirem, and Isirawa. These five tribes have local wisdom in protecting forests and customary land, which is passed down from generation to generation.
The Executive Director of Pt PPMA, Naomi Marasian, emphasized that the Amahuta program needs to continue to be evaluated and adapted to current developments. Evaluation of this program involves various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) collaborating with the local government.
One of the objectives of this evaluation is to formulate a road map for strengthening the capacity of indigenous communities in Sarmi, so that they are able to play a more optimal role in the regional development process.
The involvement of indigenous communities in this program is not only limited to preserving forests and land, but also includes social and economic aspects. They are involved in various empowerment programs aimed at increasing welfare and independence.
This is very important, considering the natural potential that Papua has, especially in the fields of fisheries, agriculture and tourism. With the active involvement of indigenous communities, this potential can be managed sustainably and provide significant economic benefits for them.
Local regional governments, especially the Sarmi Regency Government, also have an important role in supporting indigenous communities. Hendrik Sorondanya, Head of the Sarmi Regional Tourism Subdivision of the Regional Development Planning Agency (Bappeda), revealed that the government is committed to protecting and empowering customary law communities in the region.
However, he also emphasized that support from various parties, including NGOs and development partners, is very necessary to formulate strategic steps to accelerate this process.
One of the efforts being carried out by the Sarmi Regency Government is the formation of regional regulations (perda) regarding the recognition, protection and empowerment of customary law communities. It is hoped that this regional regulation can become a strong legal basis for indigenous communities in defending their customary rights.
Apart from that, this regional regulation will also help ensure that indigenous communities are actively involved in the regional development process, so that they can enjoy greater benefits from development results.
Sorondanya also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government, indigenous communities and the private sector in optimizing regional potential, such as fisheries, agriculture and tourism. With proper and sustainable management, this potential will not only improve the welfare of indigenous communities, but also strengthen the regional economy as a whole. This is in line with the development vision of Sarmi Regency, namely towards a more advanced, independent and prosperous area.
Although the Amahuta program and regional government efforts have shown positive results, challenges in accelerating development in Papua are still very real. One of the main challenges faced is limited access to basic infrastructure and services, such as education, health and transportation.
Papua’s vast territory and most of it is still wilderness, making accessibility one of the biggest obstacles in the development process. Apart from that, Papuan indigenous people also face challenges in defending their rights. Land conversion and exploitation of natural resources by large companies often threaten the sustainability of forests and customary lands.
Therefore, the government and development partners continue to strengthen protection of the rights of indigenous peoples, and ensure that the development carried out does not harm them.
Apart from that, the active involvement of indigenous communities in the development process is also one of the keys to success, because they have local knowledge which is very valuable in preserving nature and existing resources.
Papua’s development must not only pay attention to economic aspects, but also social and cultural aspects, so that community welfare can be achieved as a whole. With strong commitment from all parties, a more prosperous, independent and sustainable Papua is no longer just a hope, but a reality that can soon be realized.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Manado