goodmorningpapua.com – The Papua Provincial Government (Pemprov) raised issues regarding special autonomy (Otsus) during a hearing with the MPR. During the meeting, he also proposed his proposal for the expansion of Papua Province as a solution. In his presentation to the MPR at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, Thursday (20/5/2021), the Papua Provincial Government said that the expansion was urgent so that the region could develop.
“We hope that the provincial expansion (can be done) because the experience around West Papua, Manokwari does not have the potential to develop compared to Sorong,” said Regional Secretary (Sekda) Papua, Dance Flassy. Dance explained that economic growth is mostly in Sorong, so it can be seen that the condition of West Papua is still slow in government services. This condition can be used as an example for the expansion of the province in Papua. With the expansion, all government services will run quickly.
In his opinion, the expansion of Papua Province must be implemented in the context of accelerating development, accelerating economic growth, infrastructure and community services.
“This is our dream for the progress of the nation and state, especially development in Papua,” he said.
Dance also describes problems surrounding Papua’s Special Autonomy. First, the poverty reduction index increases. However, Papua Province is at the lowest point compared to other provinces.
Second, there are still parts of the society who have not been touched by development and have not become economic subject in their own land even though they have made efforts through the people’s economy program.
Third, the level of income of the community, especially OAP in villages and migrants to cities, is still low.
Fourth, the OAP community has not had many opportunities as business actors even though there have been instruments that have been prepared by the government which have been initiated since UP4 B until now.
Fifth, the authority of the Papua Provincial Government in implementing the special autonomy system has not been optimal. Sixth, education and health problems are not optimal yet due to Papua’s geographical conditions, especially the central mountains and isolated islands, most of which have to be reached by air and sea transportation.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the MPR for Papua Yorris Raweyai explained that the MPR for Papua is a complement to the newly formed council (AKD) consisting of 13 DPR members from Papua and West Papua and 8 DPD members from Papua and West Papua. The enthusiasm generated by the formation of the MPR For Papua is expected to be a solution, not a problem.