Saby Kossay | Papuan People
Special Autonomy for Papua is a form of state attention to advancing Papua. The Papuan people also support the sustainability of Otsus because it is indicated that it can encourage regional development.
The presence of Otsus Papua Volume II is a form of concrete support from the central government in developing the land of Papua. Acting (Plt) West Papua Red and White Movement, Imanuel Yenu said, the presence of Otsus for 20 years since the enactment of law No. 21 of 2001 aims to uplift the dignity of indigenous Papuans.
Imanuel said that Otsus has had a good impact on the Indonesian people in the Land of Papua. Before the special autonomy and after the special autonomy, he considered that this would provide significant changes for Papua.
After the special autonomy, development in the Land of Papua was so rapid both in Papua and West Papua Provinces. For example, from the education sector, this allows indigenous Papuan children to be educated at many universities at home or abroad.
The same is true of the health sector with many hospitals and other health facilities.
He also acknowledged that in the management of Otsus there are still many shortcomings which of course can be fixed for the future. Thus, the utilization of the Special Autonomy fund is maximized for the welfare of indigenous Papuans.
He added that the presence of the Special Autonomy Law also makes it easier for regions to regulate regulations or policies for regional heads who are native Papuans, cultural institutions such as the Papuan People’s Council and the DPR from the appointment mechanism.
According to Imanuel, rejection of Otsus is one of the disadvantages. This is because there is no specific regulation used as a basis for regulating regional authority.
On different occasions. Priskolin Mare as the Eastern Activist Front (BAT), stated that there has been a lot of development in Papua thanks to the existence of Otsus. However, his party also provided a note that this special autonomy for Papua volume II was getting better and could provide a sense of justice to indigenous Papuans.
He admitted that the Indonesian government had tried to make the Papuan people prosperous and live a decent life.
Papua is no longer a marginalized province. With the extension of Otsus, it is hoped that this regulation can eradicate health problems in Papua such as malaria, and prevent the transmission of the coronavirus. Apart from that, the unfinished infrastructure development in Papua will also continue to be completed.
The news regarding the sustainability of Otsus apparently cannot be separated from unpleasant issues, such as the accusation that the government arbitrarily exploits Papua’s natural wealth and its surrounding areas.
However, this was denied by the Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD. He said that the contribution from Papua’s nature, one of which was managed by PT Freeport Indonesia, only generated IDR 12 trillion for national needs. Meanwhile, the government has spent up to Rp. 46 trillion for Papua.
The former head of the Constitutional Court explained that currently, the government is preparing a Presidential Instruction (Inpres) to regulate the funds provided by the government for the welfare of Papua. The objective in more detail is that the incoming funds can be managed properly so that the Papuan people can get their rights.
Apart from the Special Autonomy Fund, the government has also allocated an additional Infrastructure Fund (DTI) of Rp. 4.3 trillion in the 2021 Draft State Budget
The determination of the amount of this budget is based on an agreement between the government and the DPR and considers proposals from the Papua and West Papua Regional Governments. It has been written in the 2021 RAPBN Financial Note, DTI is expected to be able to connect quality land, sea, and / air transportation in all districts in the recipient province for at least 25 years since 2008.
According to data from the Ministry of Finance, Otsus and DTI funds have continued to increase for at least the past five years.
Support for the Papua Special Autonomy Volume II also comes from the Governor of West Papua Dominggus Mandacan, his party has asked for the support of all parties to support the Papua Special Autonomy, which soon will be discussed by the central government together with the Provincial Governments of West Papua and Papua.
The governor also emphasized that two things need to be done in terms of Special Autonomy Volume II apart from funding. First, giving greater authority to the Provincial Government in Tanah Papua in matters such as human resources and natural resources and secondly, involving other ministries of institutions (K / L).
Papua still needs special autonomy funds for the welfare of the people. So that we should not be easily provoked by groups who do not want Papua to become advanced.
