By: Loa Murib )*
Involving indigenous communities in Papua’s development is a strategic step that is very necessary to create inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Deputy Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration (Wamendes PDTT), Paiman Raharjo, emphasized the importance of the involvement of indigenous communities in development efforts in Papua. According to him, this is not only able to reduce inequality in income distribution, but can also reduce development gaps between regions.
Each district in Papua has different natural riches and customs, so it requires a more specific approach in development efforts. Paiman believes that involving indigenous communities in every development effort will make poverty reduction easier and can absorb a lot of labor. Focusing on expanding economic scale and access to economic assets is the main key to achieving this goal.
At the closing of the National Coordination Meeting (Rakornas) for the Acceleration of Development of Disadvantaged Regions in Wamena, Jayawijaya Regency, Paiman invited all related parties to reflect together on the implementation of the 2019–2024 National Medium Term Development Plan (RPJMN). Thus, the involvement of indigenous communities in development planning can be used to create an inclusive economy that is able to improve welfare and reduce disparities between groups and regions, especially in Eastern Indonesia.
A concrete example of the involvement of indigenous communities in development can be seen in Southwest Papua. The Southwest Papua Provincial Government through the Regional Research and Innovation Planning Agency (Bapperida) launched the “Empowered Papua” program. This program is designed to include indigenous communities in regional development planning with the concept of accurate planning and quality implementation based on customs and regions. The Head of Bapperida for Southwest Papua, Rahman, explained that the main aim of this program is to raise the dignity of indigenous Papuans towards a healthy, intelligent and productive Papua.
The “Empowered Papua” program received full support from various parties, including member of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) Southwest Papua, Simson Sreme. He believes that this program provides space for indigenous peoples to express their aspirations directly, which up to now may not have received enough attention. Chairman of the Knasaimos Indigenous Community Institution (LMA), Fredrik Sagisolo, also expressed his appreciation for this program because it opens the door for indigenous communities to be actively involved in regional development planning.
Involving indigenous communities in development is not only beneficial for increasing economic prosperity, but also has a positive impact on preserving local culture and traditions. By involving indigenous communities, development can be carried out by respecting existing cultural values and ensuring that changes that occur do not damage social and environmental balance. In addition, indigenous peoples have valuable local knowledge about natural resources and the environment, which can be an important asset in sustainable development planning.
Paiman Raharjo reminded that in the future strategic steps are needed to support the 2025–2029 RPJMN which leads to fulfilling and increasing access to basic services, strengthening the local economy and innovation, as well as equitable provision of basic infrastructure, especially in the Papua region. Therefore, all relevant parties need to work together to ensure that indigenous communities are truly involved in every stage of development.
Papuan indigenous peoples have an important role in maintaining the sustainability of the environment and natural resources. Knowledge of local ecosystems and traditional ways of managing natural resources can be a guide in designing environmentally friendly and sustainable development programs. Involvement in development can also help avoid social conflicts that often arise due to injustice in the distribution of development benefits.
Apart from that, the involvement of indigenous communities in development can increase the sense of ownership and responsibility for the development projects carried out. When indigenous communities feel included and valued, it will create an environment conducive to sustainable development and reduce the risk of project failure due to lack of participation and support from local communities.
Involvement of indigenous communities also has the potential to increase transparency and accountability in the implementation of development projects. By being involved in planning and monitoring, indigenous communities can act as effective supervisors in ensuring that projects are carried out according to plan and that there is no misuse of the budget, which will increase community trust in the government and strengthen relations between the government and indigenous communities.
To achieve effective engagement of indigenous communities, the government is developing inclusive and transparent participation mechanisms. One way that can be done is by holding public consultation forums that involve indigenous communities in the planning and decision-making process. Apart from that, the government also provides support in the form of training and capacity building for indigenous communities so they can participate actively and effectively in the development process.
Overall, the involvement of indigenous communities in development in Papua is a necessity to create development that is inclusive, sustainable and respects local cultural values. Central and regional governments must continue to strengthen collaboration with indigenous communities, provide space for participation in decision making, and ensure that aspirations are heard and taken into account. In this way, development in Papua can run more effectively, inclusively and sustainably.
Involving indigenous communities in development is not only a moral obligation, but also a smart strategy for achieving broader development goals. By utilizing the natural, cultural and local knowledge possessed by indigenous peoples, we can build a more advanced, prosperous and harmonious Papua. Development involving indigenous communities will create strong synergy between the government and the community, which will ultimately produce sustainable benefits for all Papuan people.
)* The author is a Papuan student in Surabaya
