By: Maria Suhiap)*
When there are 4 New Autonomous Regions (DOBs) in Papua that are inaugurated, they should be appreciated. The division of this region is for the sake of economic progress in Cendrawasih Earth, so that there is an equal distribution of modernity there. The addition of the new autonomous regions also creates jobs because there is an increase in the economy in various regions of Papua, thus reducing the unemployment rate in Indonesia.
The addition of the new autonomous regions is a request from the people of Papua which the government will grant in 2022. The government considers that Papua really needs a new province to facilitate public services and encourage people’s welfare. In addition, if there is a new autonomous region, development will be carried out in remote areas, not only in Jayapura or other big cities.
Currently there are 6 provinces in Papua after the addition of new autonomous regions, namely Papua, West Papua, Central Papua, Highlands Papua, South Papua and Southwest Papua. The addition of the new autonomous regions has been through consultation with indigenous Papuans (OAP) and the Papuan People’s Council. They are given the authority to participate in developing this region. The main purpose of adding provinces is for the welfare of Papua.
Chairman of the Papua Student Conference (KMP) Moytuer Boymasa said the inauguration would accelerate the development of Papua. In addition, regional expansion (additional new autonomous regions) can open jobs and opportunities for native Papuans.
In a sense, the addition of new autonomous regions has a positive impact. First, with the existence of a new province, additional ADPB funds will be added. The money is used for development throughout the Papua region so that there is no longer any left behind even in remote areas. There will be an even distribution of development throughout Indonesia, from Sabang to Merauke.
Second, if there are APBD funds and each Papua region is built, there will be progress there. Modernity doesn’t only exist in big cities like Jayapura. But also to other areas such as Yahukimo, Puncak, and so on.
With progress in the area that was previously deserted, the area will change. A city or district will be busier thanks to the development carried out by the local government. It’s not just lots of people, but also lots of job opportunities.
APBD funds are given to build a city or district and finally there is a representative highway. With the ease of infrastructure, there will be investors from outside who will build malls, supermarkets and other buildings. As a result they need employees and recruit native Papuans.
This is the positive impact of an additional new autonomous region, when finally a new province is formed and the areas under it become more developed and bustling. The area is increasingly developed and there are many job opportunities there.
Then, when there is an additional new autonomous region, automatically there will be new jobs in the new province. In total there are 4 new autonomous regions in Papua. This means that the 4 provincial governments need civil servants to support the smooth administration and programs that are being carried out. Papuans have the opportunity to register for CPNS and the opportunities are wider, because there are more and more vacancies.
For government employee positions in the 4 new autonomous regions, it is prioritized to be filled by OAP (Originally Papuan). Likewise with governors, deputy governors, regents, mayors, and other officials. All must be native Papuans because it is stated in the Special Autonomy Law (Special Autonomy), where all Papuans are given the opportunity to lead their own region.
It is hoped that the new governor will bring positive changes to the people of Papua. He is a native of the Cendrawasih Earth so he understands how to lead his people and take a cultural and familial approach. If the governor is a Papuan it is natural, because he understands better how to control his own area.
Meanwhile, political observer Frans Maniagas stated that regional expansion brought significant progress in the form of physical progress. In a sense, when there used to be the province of West Papua, the region was also more advanced and no longer left behind. Therefore, it is necessary to have a new province so that the people will also be more advanced.
Frans added that the issue of expansion is not only the span of control between the local government and the people. But also changes in the Papuan people themselves. Indigenous peoples also need to be considered in regional expansion.
Don’t let regional expansion not be in accordance with Papuan culture. The special autonomy law states that the rights of the Papuan people are taken into account, including in carrying out customary laws and other cultures. So, when there is regional division, there are positive changes for the people of Papua, especially in customary areas.
When arranging regional divisions, it was based on 5 customary territories in Papua, so the creation of 3 new provinces was not arbitrary. The division is based on culture on Earth of Cendrawasih so that it will be easier. The character of the mountain people and the people who live on the mainland near the coast are very different, so that the provinces can be distinguished.
The addition of the new autonomous region will bring many positive changes in Papua. One of them is that there will be many new jobs on Cendrawasih Earth. Areas that were previously quiet will be bustling thanks to development, and a positive economy in the region will reduce the number of unemployed.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Bali
