By: Moses Walker )*
The government continues to develop Papua, one of which is welfare and affirmative policies. This new paradigm is believed by many to improve the quality of human resources in Papua, including the Papuan Orang Asli (OAP).
Indonesia stretches from Sabang to Merauke. Seeing the breadth of this country, it needs equitable development so that everything progresses. In the past, in the New Order era, the system was still centralized, then since the reform era it was replaced with decentralization so that each region could be more advanced, including Papua.
Papua, which used to be called Irian Jaya, is the easternmost region in Indonesia, but unfortunately it was neglected during the New Order era, so it was considered that progress there was less than in Java or other islands. During the administration of President Jokowi, Papua was encouraged to be more advanced. This is done by providing various opportunities for indigenous Papuans so that they can get good jobs and can develop their own territory.
Professor Imron Cotan, observer of Papua, stated that the government’s affirmative policy will open up great opportunities for indigenous Papuans. OAP will be empowered to have a brighter future.
So far, OAP has had various privileges thanks to the policies issued by the government. First, the governor, deputy governor, mayor and deputy must be native Papuans, so that they can manage their own area. This policy arose because the leader should be a native of the Earth of Cendrawasih, because they better understand the intricacies of the region and the culture of the people.
The policy that leaders must be native Papuans also has a legal umbrella, namely the Special Autonomy Law, so that it is legal in the eyes of official law in Indonesia. In this way, even if the president changes, this rule will still apply. The Papuan people are especially grateful to President Jokowi for being so considerate of Papua and making official regulations that benefit them.
In addition, indigenous Papuans also have great opportunities to study up to college, because they are entitled to special autonomy scholarships (Otsus). The scholarships obtained from the special autonomy fund are very useful because Papuan children can be smarter, so that there is no inequality between Javanese and Papuans. One of the successful Otsus scholarship alumni is Billy Mambrasar, who is the special staff of the president.
Imron added that the government could make several other affirmative policies that would advance the Papuan people. For example, they are given the opportunity to work for a state-owned company in Bumi Cendrawasih. In a sense, when there is a screening of employees, there may be a percentage of the quota for indigenous Papuans, so that they can get a decent living.
In addition, another affirmative policy is the expansion of the Papua region. If there are additional provinces, it will automatically need new employees at the provincial government office. So that it will reduce the number of unemployed in Cendrawasih Earth.
The public is very grateful to the government, especially to President Jokowi, because it is very special for Papua. Even President Jokowi is listed as the president who most often visits the Earth of Cendrawasih area. Papua is part of Indonesia, it’s no wonder the government continues to advance it, so that there is equitable development, and continues to have favorable affirmative policies.
When there are affirmative policies for the Papuan people, such as regional expansion, scholarships for outstanding children, and various other privileges, then OAP is very profitable. They are hosts in their own territory. In addition, Papua will be more advanced because thanks to this policy, there will be equitable development. Not only physical development but also human resources.
)* the author is a Papuan student living in Gorontalo
