Tino S. | Papuan Observer
The DPR RI has ratified the Draft Law (RUU) on the Second Amendment to Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for the Papua Province into a Law at the Plenary Meeting on June 15, 2021. There are at least 20 points of changes to the revision of the UU Otsus Papua, which consists of amendments to 18 articles and the addition of two new articles. It is hoped that this revision of the bill will accommodate the need for specific arrangements for Papuan Indigenous People (OAP) in the fields of politics, education, health, employment, and the economy, as well as provide support for indigenous peoples.
The chairman of the Optimist Indonesia Movement, Ngasiman Djoyonegoro, said that the enactment of the second volume of the Papua Special Autonomy Law was part of the central government’s commitment to developing Papua. It has considered socio-cultural aspects.
According to Komjen Pol Paulus Waterpau, the ratification of the revision of the Special Autonomy Law for Papua is a beautiful gift for Indonesia’s independence. The changes in the second volume of the Special Autonomy Law have taken into account the justice and protection of the political rights of Papuans.
According to Pastor Fredy H Toam, there has always been a stereotype for the Papuan region and people as backward and backward in Indonesia. This should be changed by considering Papua is the most extraordinary province, the gateway to the archipelago that faces directly to the pacific. In addition, he reminded Papuans not to forget the presence of outsiders.
“The stipulation of Special Autonomy for Papua volume two is a gift from God, because with the existence of autonomous rights to the regions, Papuans have the right to determine the direction of regional development, so that the development of Papua can be in accordance with the aspirations and desires of the Papuan people”
Meanwhile, Margaretha Hanita is of the opinion that affirmative action in the Papuan political climate is a matter that is highly considered, so that aspects of adat, religion and human rights are the main considerations in drafting the Papua Special Autonomy Law. According to Hanita, special autonomy is a form of accommodation for identity politics in a multicultural country like Indonesia, especially in Papua.
Hanita conveyed the message she received while conducting research in Papua from the leaders and resource persons she interviewed that “It is very easy for Papuans to be part of Indonesia, but will Indonesians be Papuans?”.
Furthermore, the Chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Regional Management (PWNU) of Papua Province, Tony Wanggai, is of the opinion that with the ratification of the second volume of the Papuan OTSUS Law, Papuan Indigenous People (OAP) from each customary area will be increasingly represented in the local political process in the Region (Regency/City DPR). In addition, Otsus funds are more targeted and in accordance with OAP needs.
This member of the Papuan People’s Assembly said that with the Master Plan for the Acceleration of Development in Papua as a road map for the next 20 years, the development of Papua will be more coordinated and directed.
