The development of the 4 New Autonomous Regions (DOBs) in Papua is getting better. With the new autonomous regions, the Papuan people will have a stronger economy and their children will also become smarter.
The Papuan people’s request was fulfilled when the government inaugurated 4 new autonomous regions. Papua Island which covers more than 400,000 km2 is too big if it only has 2 provinces (Papua and West Papua). Therefore it is necessary to expand the area so that the community is more prosperous, because the management is easier (thanks to the close proximity to the provincial government offices).
On November 11 2022, 4 new provinces have been established in Papua. Acting governors have also been appointed, namely Rebekah Haluk as acting Governor of Central Papua, Apolo Safanpo as acting Governor in South Papua, and Nikolaus K as acting in Central Papua Province. Then Moh. Musa’ad as Acting (Pj) Governor of Southwest Papua Province.
After a year, the development of 4 new autonomous regions in Papua is going well. The Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian stated that the development of the four provinces of the New Autonomous Region (DOB) in the Land of Papua which includes the Provinces of South Papua, Central Papua, Highlands Papua and Southwest Papua shows good progress.
Tito Karnavian continued, for the development of the new autonomous regions it was good. Where ASN has entered hundreds of people, there are even more than 1,000 ASN. He was also asked by the government to divide the budget between each new autonomous region, on average getting more than IDR 2 trillion.
In a sense, after the division of regions, the 4 new provinces in Papua have increased. In terms of staffing, the addition of ASN is very good because it increases the opportunities for indigenous Papuans (OAP) to become servants of the state. That way they will have a more prosperous life.
Moreover, there is a budget from the government of 2 trillion rupiah. With that much funding, it will be the initial capital for development, both in the fields of infrastructure, economy, education, etc.
The development of new autonomous regions also occurred in the field of education. Politician Otopianus Tebai stated that regional divisions in Papua need to get input from various parties so that they meet the expectations of the Papuan people.
Otopianus also highlighted the importance of strengthening informal education in Papua. Especially for those who are unemployed, assisted and fostered so that they are more independent. He also emphasized the need for the government to consider local political parties as a cultural identity for OAP.
In a sense, regional expansion, aka the addition of new autonomous regions, will have a positive effect on the education sector in Papua. With 4 new autonomous regions, it will facilitate mobility, increase community health and education facilities.
When there is a new province, the government will automatically add APBD funds. This money is not only used to build bridges and other infrastructure. But also to build a complete school building, along with library facilities, etc. The education system in Papua will be much better thanks to the addition of new autonomous regions.
It should also be noted that the education system in western Indonesia is generally better than eastern Indonesia, such as Papua. In Eastern Indonesia, there are still many children who do not have access to good schools.
Economic conditions, culture and geographical accessibility limit many children in eastern Indonesia from even obtaining basic education. There are still many people who do not care about the importance of education for children. Some are experiencing economic difficulties so they are unable to send their children to school.
Citing data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) shows that 30% of Papuan students do not complete their elementary and junior high schools. In rural areas, around 50% of primary school students and 73% of junior high school students choose to drop out of school.
However, with the presence of a new autonomous region, developments in the 4 provinces will be even better because there is a larger budget for the education sector. That way it will reduce the dropout rate among Papuan children. People on Cendrawasih Earth will be smarter.
Meanwhile, Muhammad Mus’ad, who currently serves as Acting. The Governor of Southwest Papua, stated that the 4 new autonomous regions were fractions of the parent province. Therefore it will not abdicate responsibility. The most important thing now is communication and coordination.
M Mus’ad added that there will be grant funds given to 4 new provinces. Regional Apparatus Work Plans have also been prepared. In a sense, even though the 4 provinces are new, the people don’t have to worry. All provinces will coordinate and prioritize the interests of the people.
Development throughout Papua is a way to advance its people. With grant funds, it can be used for infrastructure development and facilities for the people. Especially when there is no distribution of APBN funds because the province has just been established, so there must be an adjustment and a waiting period.
If the grant funds have been submitted, they will be directly used for the benefit of the Papuan people. For example, for the development of health facilities such as hospitals and health centers, which are complete with medical equipment and experienced medical personnel. With so many Community Health Centers, the community will stay healthy, especially when there are still threats of diseases such as corona and malaria.
The development of the 4 new autonomous regions in Papua is getting better, both in the economic and education fields. With the addition of provinces, the people will benefit because their lives will be better. The Papuan people are grateful because thanks to the 4 new autonomous regions they are more prosperous.