Otsus Supports Papuan Youth Creativity

The Indonesian government tries to reach remote areas in various ways, one of which is through the Special Autonomy (Otsus) fund in Papua. Director of the Public Policy Institute (PPI), Sujono HS, said that the funds provide opportunities for youths in Bumi Cendrawasih.

"Providing potential and opportunities to get education and skills according to the talent fields they are interested in," said Sujono on Sunday, August 16, 2020.

According to him, the government has budgeted special autonomy funds for Papua Province amounting to IDR 5.86 trillion and West Papua Province IDR 2.51 trillion. Special autonomy funds will be more abundant. The total funds disbursed will reach IDR 126.99 trillion in 2022.

The special autonomy funds that have been distributed to Papua amounting to IDR 93.05 trillion since 2002, and West Papua amounting to IDR 33.94 trillion since 2009.

Sujono said there were many potential youth in Papua who could develop local wisdom. One of the highlights is Paskalis Pigai, which focuses on photography and videographers.

Paskalis wants youth in Papua to develop their potential like him. "More people wish to become the state civil apparatus (ASN) instead of being professionals here," he criticized.

In fact, with such a large special autonomy fund, every young man in Cendrawasih Earth can be helped to develop his own profession. Paskalis gave an example of himself who was engaged in photography and was trusted to be the Chairman of the Manokwari Photography Community.

He criticized Papuan youths for choosing to join ASN recruitment rather than developing their own potential. According to him, there are still problems and polemics in the recruitment of state servants in the region.

That is, every youth there thinks they have the right to become a Papuan civil servant. Meanwhile, recruitment must be based on a competency test. Paskalis considered that Papuan youths shouldn't bother with this. Because, there are still many career choices that can be taken.

"I chose entrepreneurship because I work freely, can open jobs for other people, and earn a higher income," said Paskalis.