Ricko Kwalik | Papuan Observer
President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) some time ago officially signed Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy (Otsus) for Papua which had previously been approved in the plenary session of the DPR. It is stated that the Otsus funds will now be maximized for welfare in Papua.
The same was conveyed by the Director of Information and Political Communication, Law and Security of the Ministry of Communication and Information, Bambang Gunawan, who said that President Jokowi wanted breakthrough, integrated, precise, focused and synergized steps between ministries/agencies and local governments.
“The Special Autonomy Law in Papua is solely to realize the people of the Papua Province and West Papua Province who are advanced, prosperous, peaceful and dignified as part of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia”
Then he said that Law number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for the Papua Province was a manifestation of state recognition of Papua’s decision at the legal age of entering its 20th year.
Pls. The Director of the Directorate of Regional Arrangement, Special Autonomy and the Regional Autonomy Advisory Council, Valentinus Sudarjanto Sumito, explained the explanation of Law No. 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua which he said was a manifestation of the government’s commitment to the welfare of the Papuan people.
It was also explained that the purpose of the Special Autonomy for Papua was to provide affirmation/partisanship of protection for Indigenous Papuans.
First, improve the standard of living of the OAP community. Second, realizing justice in terms of equity and accelerated development. Third, respect for OAP’s basic rights. And, fourth, to encourage the implementation of good governance.
Then it was said that with the existence of autonomous rights to the regions, Papuans have the right to determine the direction of their regional development, so that the development of Papua can be in accordance with the aspirations and desires of the Papuan people.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chair of the Papua Desk/Head of Center for Policy and Performance Analysis, Ministry of National Development Planning/Bappenas, Velix Wanggai, said that currently the government with the revision of the law is heading to a new direction in managing Papua with Otsus.
Velix said that the point about the revision of Otsus was the great spirit of Mr. President Joko Widodo last year on how to see Papua in the future, in the introduction to the Cabinet Session, he conveyed 3 points and according to him this could be a philosophy that could later become a guideline, direction for inter-ministerial government and members of the special committee to make changes in Papua.
The three points mentioned are, first, a thorough evaluation of the governance and effectiveness of the distribution of Otsus funds.
Second, the need for a new spirit, a new paradigm, a new way of working. We must build all new systems and designs, more effective ways of working in order to be able to produce a leap in prosperity for the people of Papua and West Papua.
Then third, the policy of Special Autonomy for Papua and West Papua is consulted with all components of society in Papua and West Papua, which will make Papua and West Papua more advanced.
