goodmorningpapua.com – The Legislation Agency (Baleg) has accomplished the harmonization process of the New Autonomous Region (DOB) Bill for Southwest Papua. As a result, the discussion of the proposed policy was approved without having to revise the parent regional regulations, namely Law Number 45 of 1999 concerning the Establishment of Central Irian Jaya Province, West Irian Jaya Province, Paniai Regency, Mimika Regency, Puncak Jaya Regency, and Sorong City.
“We request for approval from the meeting, can the results of the harmonization (RUU) of Southwest Papua Province be approved”? said Deputy Chairman of Baleg Achmad Baidowi at the Parliament Complex, Senayan, Jakarta, Monday, May 30, 2022.
“Agree!” answered all Baleg members who attended the plenary meeting of the harmonization of the Southwest Papua New Guinea Bill.
A total of eight factions approved the harmonization of the Southwest Papua New Guinea Bill. Only the Democrats did not agree.
Baleg member from the Democratic Faction, Debby Kurniawan, said the reason his party did not agree to the harmonization of the Southwest Papua New Guinea Bill was the consideration of state finances. This is because the country’s economy is still recovering.
Democrats don’t want regional expansion to be forced. Thus, burdening the state finances.
“The preparation process for the formation and implementation of new autonomous regions requires funds of up to trillions of rupiah. Whereas, the state finances are still experiencing a deficit that increases every year,” said Debby.
The discourse on regional division in Papua was also asked to be implemented after an evaluation of the implementation of Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy for the Papua Province was carried out. Thus, it is known whether regional expansion is needed or not on Cenderawasih Earth.
“This includes knowing whether the division of this region is really needed to improve the welfare and progress of the life of the Papuan people,” he said.
The government and the DPR are also asked to listen to the voices of the Papuan people’s aspirations more deeply about the division of the region. The division will have an impact on the social conditions, customs and culture of the local community.
The Democrats also asked for the Southwest Papua New Guinea Bill to be returned. The Democratic faction supports the discussion of the policy to be carried out after hearing comprehensive public input.
“Until we really get comprehensive input from the whole community, especially the Papuan people,” he said.