By Michael Karoba )*
Papua, as a region rich in cultural diversity and natural resources, has great potential for development. However, development efforts in Papua often face complex challenges, especially in terms of involving indigenous peoples who are the main social entities. Indigenous peoples with their traditions and local wisdom play a strategic role in creating sustainable development. Therefore, involving indigenous peoples in government programs is an important step that cannot be ignored.
The founder of Bicara Foundation West Papua, Andi Sastra Beni Saragih, stated that indigenous peoples with their diverse cultures are social entities that have a very strategic position, not only as owners of customary rights to land and natural resources, but also as guardians of local wisdom values that have been passed down from generation to generation. This local wisdom is a very important social capital in advancing Papua, because indigenous peoples have a deep understanding of the region, both in terms of ecology, social, and culture.
Therefore, the regional government (Pemda) must always accommodate the aspirations of the customary law community, so that the implementation of development programs prioritizes local wisdom values. By involving customary communities in decision-making and implementation of development programs, it is hoped that a balance can be created between modern development and preservation of local culture.
In an effort to encourage more active involvement of indigenous peoples, Bicara Foundation together with Partnership Partnership Indonesia and Kemendikbudristek have initiated a cultural dialogue. This dialogue presents regional head candidates, political parties, traditional leaders, women leaders, and academics. The goal is that the new government after the 2024 Pilkada can follow up on ideas and concepts to maintain the existence of indigenous peoples in Tanah Papua.
The cultural dialogue is an important space to bring together various parties interested in the development of Papua. Thus, the aspirations of indigenous peoples can be conveyed directly to the government and other stakeholders. This step is a real form of indigenous peoples’ participation in the development process in Bumi Cenderawasih.
Acting Governor of Papua, Ramses Limbong emphasized the importance of development based on local wisdom and culture. This is not only aimed at preserving the culture of indigenous peoples, but also ensuring that the development carried out does not ignore the rights of indigenous peoples. This is because development that does not pay attention to the social and cultural aspects of indigenous peoples often ends in conflict and rejection from the local community. Therefore, development in Papua must be planned carefully, involving indigenous peoples in every stage.
Ramses Limbong also asked the Jayapura Regency Government to strengthen local wisdom and ensure that development does not ignore the rights of indigenous peoples as an important step to create sustainable and inclusive development in Papua.
On the other hand, the Special Autonomy (Otsus) of Papua has become one of the main instruments in accelerating development in the Papua region. Irene Manibuy, Chair of the West Papua Special Autonomy Development Acceleration Steering Committee (BP3OKP), in a National Seminar held by the West Papua BI Representative in Manokwari, emphasized that the mission of Smart Papua, Healthy Papua, Productive Papua, is the key to successful development in the Land of Papua. This mission covers all important aspects of development, from education, health, economy, to security and order.
Irene Manibuy also reminded that Special Autonomy Volume II has been running for approximately three years, with approximately 16.5 years remaining. Therefore, the community, especially indigenous communities, are asked to contribute ideas related to customs and customary areas, for the sake of sustainable development in West Papua. The contribution of indigenous communities’ ideas is very important, because they have a deep understanding of the social and cultural characteristics that apply in their area.
Manibuy also emphasized the importance of openness of all related parties to input from indigenous communities, in implementing development programs. BP3OKP itself is ready to accept all positive input for the sake of development progress in West Papua.
The participation of indigenous peoples in development is not only limited to consultation, but must also involve them actively in decision-making and implementation of development programs. Space for siding with indigenous legal communities is not only formulated through regulations, but must be implemented by the government, both at the central and regional levels.
This is in line with the government’s vision in realizing a more advanced and prosperous Papua through programs based on local wisdom. The central and regional governments continue to be committed to involving indigenous peoples in every development process. Indigenous peoples are not only beneficiaries, but also partners in designing, implementing, and evaluating development programs in the Land of Papua.
The government has a crucial role in advancing Papua, but it cannot be done alone. Close collaboration with indigenous communities, who have in-depth knowledge of the region and culture, is needed. Through cultural dialogue, strengthening local wisdom, and implementing policies that support indigenous communities, it is hoped that development in Papua can be more inclusive, sustainable, and respect the rights of indigenous communities.
By actively involving indigenous communities in every stage of development, the government can not only achieve sustainable development goals, but also maintain the sustainability of indigenous peoples’ culture and identity as progress is realized in the Land of Papua.
)* the author is a student from Papua in Surabaya