The establishment of a new autonomous region in Papua is considered a solution

The expansion of new autonomous regions (DOB) in Papua and West Papua is considered a realistic, solution and constitutional policy option. Moreover, the government has the authority to improve the welfare of its citizens in each region.

"The expansion of the new autonomous regions is the political will of the central government which has constitutional authority to improve the welfare of the people in a directed, integrated, and sustainable manner," said expert on constitutional law at the Indonesian Muslim University, Fahri Bachmid in Jakarta, Wednesday, April 27, 2022.
 
According to Fahri, the special autonomy granted to Papua is accountable, efficient, effective, transparent and on target. In fact, special autonomy is given in accordance with the needs, developments, and aspirations of the Papuan people.

"Indeed, the division of regions into provinces in eastern Indonesia is intended to accelerate equitable development in Papua and optimize the function of services to the Papuan people in a better direction," he said.

Fahri said that in principle the policy of regional expansion would improve public services and the welfare of the Papuan people more substantially. At the same time, it has a wedge as a strategy to raise the dignity of the Papuan people.

Government policies related to new autonomous regions in Papua are in line with Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government, in particular the provisions of Article 49 paragraph 1 which stipulates that Regional Formation based on considerations of national strategic interests as referred to in Article 31 paragraph (4) applies to border areas, islands outermost islands, and certain areas to protect the interests and sovereignty of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

"This must be read in context as part of considering national strategic interests in order to strengthen the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," said Fahri.
 
He is of the opinion that the government's policy to expand several new autonomous regions in Papua is in the context of carrying out the constitutional duties of the central government. There are three regions that will be expanded in eastern Indonesia, namely South Papua Province, Central Papua Province, and Central Highlands Papua Province.

SOURCE: https://m.medcom.id/nasional/politik/Dkq4wJeb-pemunjukan-area-otonom-baru-di-papua-dinilai-opsi-yang-solutif