The provincial government of Papua Pegunungan has reaffirmed that the aspiration for the establishment of a new autonomous region (DOB) is not a new issue. In fact, the Indonesian Parliament’s Commission II has already conducted extensive studies and has received a Presidential Mandate (Ampres) on the matter. This initiative is viewed as a crucial step toward addressing the challenges faced by the people of Papua Pegunungan, a region marked by its difficult geographical conditions and a history of poverty and limited access to education.

Governor of Papua Pegunungan, Dr. (HC) Jhon Tabo, SE, MBA, emphasized that the desire for development and progress is strong among the people of the region. “The people of Papua Pegunungan want to break free from poverty and ignorance. The creation of the new province has already shown positive signs of improving the welfare of the people,” said Governor Tabo during a statement in Wamena on Saturday, May 17.

Tabo further explained that the geographic challenges of the Papua Pegunungan region have been a major obstacle to progress, and these challenges have been brought to the attention of the central government. As part of the ongoing discussions, the Papua Pegunungan Province has proposed 11 regional expansions as part of the new autonomous region initiative, and this proposal has garnered strong support from local communities.

The Governor expressed his gratitude to the Commission II of the Indonesian Parliament and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs for their visits, which allowed them to witness firsthand the conditions on the ground and understand the real challenges faced by the people of Papua Pegunungan. “Thank you to the members of Commission II of the DPR RI and the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs who visited us to better understand the situation on the ground. Many of the reports we have received have been one-sided or detached from the actual facts,” he added.

In the same event, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Ribka Haluk, S.Sos, MSi, acknowledged the significance of the aspirations for the creation of the new autonomous region in Papua Pegunungan. She called it a vital milestone toward Indonesia’s golden vision in 2045. “This is a pivotal moment, as the aspiration for the new autonomous region in Papua Pegunungan serves as the foundation for future development,” said the Deputy Minister.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has expressed its support for this initiative, both de jure and de facto, emphasizing its role in assisting local governments in this process. The government is also focused on the swift implementation of necessary infrastructure, including the construction of offices for the governor, provincial parliament (DPRP), and the Papuan People’s Council (MRP) in Papua Pegunungan.

Governor Tabo also urged the central government to take immediate action to accelerate the development of these government offices, as they are essential for efficient governance and fulfilling the people’s aspirations. “We must respond to the people’s needs and ensure that we support their desire for progress,” he added.

This ongoing process marks a significant step forward for the people of Papua Pegunungan, as it strives to overcome its historical challenges and move toward a brighter, more prosperous future.

Source: Cenderawasih Pos