Special Autonomy Becomes a Foothold for Indigenous Papuans to Become More Powerful

The implementation of Special Autonomy (Otsus) is considered as an approach of the central government in order to increase welfare while reducing the gap between Papua and other provinces. In Otsus, more authority is given to the regions, as well as respect for the basic rights of indigenous Papuans. The community was directly involved in supervising it

"Otsus is a policy for the welfare of Papua," said the Chairperson of the Papua Province Youth Lira, Stevez R Mara, in a discussion on "Special Autonomy and the Struggle for Papua".

If there are deficiencies, as well as rejection, it is normal to be part of the criticism to make Otsus better. This is simply due to different perspectives, when the center thinks that Otsus is for the welfare of the Papuan people while other parties see it as not optimal. In fact, large funds have been rolled out.

Chairman of the DPD Pemuda Mandala Trikora Papua Province, Albert Ali Kabiay, added that Otsus is here to answer problems in Papua. Otsus was born as an antithesis when the New Order was all centralized. Otsus is important for the development of human resources, health and economic development in Papua. With great authority, it should be a stepping stone for indigenous Papuans to improve the welfare of the region and society. "The Special Autonomy Fund must be used properly for the benefit of the Papuan people," he said.

He considered that Papuan youths had to think broadly, not just looking at one side, considering that the positive impact of special autonomy was also large. Large funds disbursed have reached Rp. 127 trillion. If used wisely and properly, funds will benefit health, education, economic development and others. "If it is used properly it will benefit indigenous Papuans, as youths, they must encourage Otsus to be more positive," he said.

He encouraged transparency from the provincial government regarding the special autonomy funds as well as improvements in terms of distribution in the regions. Given the location of different coastal and mountainous areas. Especially at this time, despite being given the authority and large funds, the Papuan human development index is still quite behind, even though it has improved from year to year.

"Because of that, it must be a concern to unite to push forward Otsus to continue. Moreover, there is another addition in the DAU (General Allocation Fund), meaning this is a concern from the center so that there is equitable development in Papua. As a native Papuan youth, hopefully the funds will be used transparently, so that there is trust from Papuans to the provincial government, "he said.

On the same occasion, Jayapura Regent Mathius Awoitauw explained that Otsus is an affirmative action by the central government to accelerate development in Papua. Moreover, from various sectors, Papua is still lagging behind other provinces. Special autonomy, said Mathius, is one solution, acceleration, for equity, as well as a middle ground. He is sure that Otsus will continue. It only needs evaluation and it is a natural thing so that implementation can be even better. "We in two customary areas, last September, have conducted an evaluation, attended by female youth religious leaders, there is the MRP (Papuan People's Council), we have a dialogue to see how the Special Autonomy fund is used after 20 years," he said.

What is certain is that district cities also receive special autonomy funds after previously deducting them at the provincial level, but Jayapura seeks to maximize the special autonomy funds to encourage community involvement to become more independent, empowered, and able to strengthen culture. Even if there is a negative response related to Otsus, he sees it as normal. However, he urged the provincial government to be more open, transparent, and at the same time willing to collaborate to evaluate Otsus together. Do not go alone.

"If there is openness, it can be resolved properly, so that next time it can be fixed. For us in the regions, every year we get Rp 40-Rp 100 billion, focused on the health sector, education, basic infrastructure and other affirmations. The regency of Jayapura provides extraordinary space for indigenous peoples. There are efforts to revive adat with a small amount of affirmative funds, "he said.

He reminded not to let people be busy taking care of the Special Autonomy money, but the content was not, in this case how to raise all the potential of indigenous Papuans. The Special Autonomy Law also gave birth to the Perdasus, it also provides room for the protection and alignment of the empowerment of indigenous Papuans, according to the potential resources they have. Evaluation of Otsus is commonplace. This is because a policy must be reviewed for improvement, and it is natural and the Jayapura regional government supports the special autonomy to run even better.

Chairman of the DPRD of Maybrat Regency Ferdinando Solossa asked the Governor of West Papua and the Governor of Papua, to be in sync. Even if there is an evaluation, convey it to the public, conduct a public test so that the results are known as part of transparency to the public so that the public knows the realization of the four special autonomy priorities, namely the education, health, economy, and cultural affirmation sectors. "Otsus is the domain of the province, there is no coordination between the Governor of Papua and West Papua, it goes on its own. "The Papuan People's Assembly should also collaborate with the governor, who in fact is the representative of the central government in the regions," he said.

Source: https://rm.id/baca-berita/nasional/53659/otsus-jadi-punjuk-bagi-orang-asli-papua-untuk-makin-berdaya