By : Julvri Liben )*
The government continues to make maximum efforts to develop Papua, starting from the Trans Papua Road to the Papua Youth Creative Hub (PYCH) Building which was initiated by the State Intelligence Agency (BIN). In the development process, the Government continues to involve indigenous communities in development in Papua. This is important because indigenous peoples have in-depth knowledge and understanding of their local environment and culture which is crucial for sustainable and resilient development.
When groundbreaking PYCH some time ago, President Jokowi hoped that the existence of PYCH could become a center for developing talents and become a creative center for young Papuans to strengthen the innovation ecosystem. Therefore, the involvement of indigenous communities and youth is the main capital in advancing Papua.
The role of indigenous peoples is very important in development in Papua because they have deep knowledge, experience and relationships with the local environment and culture. Indigenous peoples have extensive knowledge about natural resources, ecosystems and traditional ways of managing them. This knowledge is invaluable in maintaining environmental sustainability and ensuring its responsible use.
Meanwhile, Vice President (Wapres) Ma’ruf Amin said actively involving indigenous communities in every stage of development is a very important step to prevent conflict and ensure development runs smoothly. Traditional leaders and community leaders have respected authority in their communities. So involving them in development shows respect for traditional leadership and ensures that decisions are made taking into account local interests and values.
Furthermore, the active participation of indigenous communities in planning and implementing development projects can reduce the potential for conflict by building consensus and supporting joint decisions. This minimizes the possibility of protests or resistance from the community towards these projects. In addition, by involving indigenous communities, development becomes more socially and culturally legitimate. This helps ensure that the projects are accepted by communities as necessary and provide real benefits to them.
Additionally, indigenous peoples often have a deep understanding of local conditions and community needs. Their participation in planning and implementation enables development programs to be more relevant and effective in achieving their goals.
Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of South Papua, Apolo Safanpo, said that the South Papua Provincial government would increase the active role of indigenous communities in preserving the environment. He believes this strategy will have a positive impact on the environment and indigenous communities themselves. This breakthrough and innovation aims to encourage accelerated development, natural resource potential and the environment in Papua, by looking at superior commodities in each region.
Apart from that, Safanpo also reminded all Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD) within the South Papua Provincial Government to involve the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) in the use of Special Autonomy (Otsus) funds in every development planning and implementation. The Papua Special Autonomy Fund allocated to districts/cities aims to accelerate the development process and improve the welfare of the Papuan Indigenous People (OAP), within the framework of special autonomy in accordance with statutory provisions.
Then Safanpo also reminded the Regents, Forkopimda and district/city DPRDs throughout South Papua Province to involve MRP in all development activities sourced from Special Autonomy funds. He also invited all MRP members to continue to establish and increase cooperation with the South Papua Provincial Government in implementing development and public services in Papua.
The Deputy Chairperson of the Il MRP for South Papua Province, Paskalis Imadawa, said the same thing, who said that his party welcomed the confirmation of Acting. The Governor of South Papua, Apolo Safanpo, regarding the involvement of the MRP in supervising the planning and implementation of development sourced from the Papua Special Autonomy funds. According to Paskalis, reflecting on the experience of implementing Special Autonomy Volume I for 20 years, namely 2001-2021, the absorption of Special Autonomy funds does not directly touch the interests and welfare of the Papuan people, where the MRP’s involvement in monitoring development policies in Papua is also considered very weak.
Paskalis said that now entering Special Autonomy volume II, the MRP is expected to be the last bastion of hope, because it is a cultural representative institution of the OAP community. Therefore, MRP must be properly involved in monitoring and evaluating every development program in Papua. Apart from that, he also hopes that regional apparatus organizations or provincial and district government agencies that handle the use of Special Autonomy funds need to be open to suggestions, input, criticism and supervision from the MRP.
Overall, involving indigenous communities in development in Papua is not only a moral and legal obligation, but also a wise strategy to ensure development that is sustainable, harmonious with the environment, and beneficial to local communities. This approach not only supports the technical success of development projects, but also promotes social inclusion, respects the rights of indigenous peoples, and encourages sustainable and equitable development in Papua.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta