By: Abner Wanggai) *
Papua will be divided into 5 provinces. People don’t need to be afraid, because the expansion of this area will not have a negative impact on them. In fact, the existence of a new province will accelerate economic development and development in the Earth of Cendrawasih.
Currently there are 2 provinces in Papua, namely Papua and West Papua. However, the government plans to expand the region, so that there are a total of 5 provinces in Bumi Cendrawasih. According to the Coordinating Minister for Political, Law and Security Affairs Mahfud MD, the expansion of the region is a mandate of Law No. 2 of 2001 on special autonomy for Papua.
There have been various reactions from the community in response to the expansion of this region. Generally they were surprised, because the province had never experienced a change because the status of the region had changed. However, the community still responds positively, because the expansion of the territory will have a good impact on them.
Filep Wamafma, a member of the Regional Representative Council from West Papua, stated that the community should not be afraid of regional expansion. Because it will not be bad for civilians. This expansion is also not an option in preventing disintegration. Because Papua has fixed part of Indonesia.
In fact, when the Papua region is divided, the people’s welfare will improve. Because the purpose of expansion is to pay attention to society. When there are 5 provinces there are 5 governors, so they are closer to the people. The territory is narrow, but it is positive, because the official can focus on meeting the needs of the community.
Filep continued, another goal of regional expansion is that there is no discrimination for Papuan civilians. The issue of discrimination is indeed a polemic, because there are some groups who are protesting why it is the migrants who benefit. Later, after there is division, the governor will have a policy so that civilians can also get decent jobs.
In special autonomy there are also articles that prevent discrimination, because the governor, mayor and other officials must be indigenous Papuans. The goal is that they understand what the community needs, because they already have the same basic culture and habits. Papua Governor Lukas Enembe has also been praised as a role model.
In addition, regional expansion will also benefit the community. Because the territory of Papua is very large, so when there are only 2 provinces, it will be difficult to reach the capital for residents living in remote areas. However, if there are 5 provinces, the distance to the governor’s office will be closer. So that automatically other offices are also close, and they can easily take care of licensing.
With the expansion and regional autonomy, the new governor can see what potential exists in the province. He can process it and create new projects so that the economic situation of the community improves. Civilians not only do traditional farming, but are also invited to make products that can penetrate the export market.
The community should not be consumed by the issues raised by unscrupulous people, who do not like regional expansion. This is not sharing power and enriching KKN. In fact, when there is expansion, the supervision of local officials will be easier. So that makes it difficult for corruption by individuals.
The central government has planned the expansion carefully, and formed a caucus called For Papua. So that they become a link between the voice of civilians and the government. Later, there will be no problems due to misunderstanding between the community and the center.
The division of the territory in Papua will improve people’s lives, because the new governor will pay more attention to the needs of civilians. In addition, regional autonomy will maximize the potential of the region, so that economic conditions there will be more advanced. Let’s optimistically welcome the expansion of the region in Papua.
) * The author is a contributor to the Cikini Press Circle and Students