By : Saby Kossay )*
It seems that the development of the New Autonomous Region (DOB) for Papua has received support from the local government, moreover the development of the new autonomous region has greatly supported the central government’s efforts to advance Papua, such as in the development sector.
Muhammad Ridwan Ruusukun as the Daily Executive (Plh) of the Governor of Papua has realized his commitment to accelerate development in the new autonomous region. This commitment is demonstrated by handing over the use of the Program Information System (Bangga Papua) and other Sharing Application Systems to the Papua Barat Daya Provincial government, in order to improve the quality and effectiveness of the old age protection program (PAITUA) which is a social protection program as well as the implementation of the Electronic Based Government System (SPBE).
The handover took place in Sorong on July 17 2023 by Acting Governor M. Ridwan to the Acting Governor of Southwest Papua, Muhammad Musa’ad which was witnessed by the Head of the relevant OPD. This surrender is also proof that Papua has progressed.
The Provincial Government of Papua, of course, hopes that the BANGGA Papua Information System and the Sharing Papai Application System will become effective tools in realizing the PAITUA program and government management that is fair, transparent and measurable.
Because in this system, there are features that facilitate data management, scheduling of distribution to beneficiaries and reporting. This system also has the ability to integrate data with channeling agency information systems and/or other information systems, thus enabling a more holistic analysis and more informed decision making.
Ridwan also explained, the Provincial Government of Papua had developed several application systems to support government performance, where in 2018, it had implemented the Papua Prosperous Generation and Family Development Program (BANGGA) in Papua.
This program was developed by the Province of Papua and collaborated with development partners through the Kompak program and the Mahkota Program, in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Government of Australia, one of which ensures accountable program management.
This was done in order to build Indigenous Papuan human resources (OAP) through improving and enhancing the nutrition and health of children aged four years and under. This system will also assist in managing beneficiary data, a transparent and accountable distribution process, and enable more effective monitoring and evaluation of program performance and government service performance.
However, information systems alone are not enough. The successful implementation of this system depends on the commitment and full support of the Southwest Papua provincial government and all parties involved in implementing the program. Close collaboration, good coordination and a shared understanding of the goals and benefits of this system will be the key to success.
Meanwhile, the Acting Governor of Southwest Papua also expressed his appreciation for the support from the Papua Provincial Government. He also hopes that the application system that has been developed can be applied immediately, in order to support accelerated development and governance in Southwest Papua.
RI President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) stated that the formation of 4 New Autonomous Regions (DOB) in Papua was based on the request of the people. The formation of the new autonomous region is aimed at equitable development in Cenderawasih Earth. The government also wants to increase the reach of public services so that they can reach all areas in Papua. The development of new autonomous regions will certainly foster infrastructure development such as roads and bridges which are of course representative. Thus land transportation will be more accessible.
John Wempi as Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) said that the Ministry of Home Affairs hopes that the inauguration of Southwest Papua as a new province in Papua and the inauguration of its governor officials can be carried out soon. Thus, Southwest Papua can take part in the 2024 elections.
Previously on November 17, 2022, the DPR RI Plenary Session had approved the Draft Law (RUU) concerning the Formation of the Southwest Papua Province to become law. On this occasion, member of Commission II DPR RI Guspardi Gaus hopes that a special autonomy policy for Papua Province will not only be able to overcome conflict problems, but can also accelerate development.
As for the purpose of the division of the province in Papua, it is contained in article 93 of Government Regulation Number 106 of 2021 concerning the Authority and Institutions for the Implementation of the Special Autonomy Policy for the Province of Papua. The regulation states that expansion is to accelerate equitable development, improve public services, community welfare, and the dignity of the indigenous Papuans (OAP).
The realization of the New Autonomous Region in Papua can be the best effort in presenting accelerated development and equity as rights that must and must be received by Papuans who are part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. With the existence of a new autonomous region, of course this will encourage the birth of infrastructure in the land of Papua.
One of the arguments in favor of pemekaran is caused by the need to overcome the long distance between the government and the community. The acceleration of new autonomous regions development certainly requires support from all levels of society because new autonomous regions are a manifestation of efforts to build the nation.
)* The author is a Papuan student living in Yogyakarta
