Papua Special Autonomy Law as a Gateway to Improve Papuan People’s Welfare
Dominggus K. | Papuan Observer
The government has issued Law no. 2 of 2021 concerning the Second Amendment to Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy (Otsus) for the Papua Province. This regulation is a legal umbrella for the government to continue disbursing Otsus funds for the Papuan people.
According to a former member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Intelligence and Defense Commission for the 2004-2009 period, Paskalis Kossay. According to him, the revised Otsus policy was very good, even though it had to go through a process and controversy.
According to him, the cause of the controversy was poor communication between state institutions, both central and regional, and the Papuan people. But when it is clear, then all parties understand that this law is very good for the people on Earth of Cendrawasih.
However, the government can overcome these obstacles through lobbying and positive communication so that people will realize that the extension of Otsus will bring good for Papua.
“The Special Autonomy Law is a golden gate to a prosperous, advanced, and independent Papua. As the ideals of President Jokowi”
The same thing was conveyed by the Chairperson of the Special Committee for the Papua Special Autonomy Bill, Komarudin Watubun, who revealed that there were 18 articles that were amended in the old bill. Then added 3 new articles, namely Articles 1, 34, and 76, the changes of which are proposals from the government. While the remaining 15 articles are proposals from outside the government.
Article 34 regulates Papua Special Autonomy funds and is regulated by the government. The Special Autonomy Fund was budgeted to be increased by the Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani.
Meanwhile, Article 36 of the Special Autonomy Law regulates the budget allocation for special autonomy funds, namely 35 percent for education costs, 25 percent for health and nutrition improvements, 30 percent for infrastructure spending, and 10 percent for spending on assistance for the empowerment of indigenous peoples.
According to Komarudin, the arrangement of the Special Autonomy funds as regulated in this Law is highly commended for prioritizing education posts. The reason is because only with education, the fate of the children of Cendrawasih Earth will change for the better.
In addition, there is also a post for funds for health and nutrition improvement so as to prevent Papuan children from being malnourished. They will get a ration of milk and nutritious food, so they can grow big and healthy without fear of malnutrition (stunting). Improved nutrition also supports their brain intelligence.
Meanwhile, according to Rebeca Marian, this policy was welcomed by the people of Papua. Otsus Papua is like a golden gate to create a more prosperous Papua.
The woman, who is currently studying in Jakarta, also experienced the positive realization of the Papua Special Autonomy policy. According to him, with Otsus funds, young Papuan people, including himself, can receive higher education both at home and abroad.
