The MPR supports the strengthening of MRPB as a “bridge” for the central-regional government

West Papua People’s Assembly

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Chairman of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly Bambang Soesatyo supports steps to strengthen the West Papua People’s Assembly (MRPB) as a “golden bridge” between the central government and regional governments in Papua.

“I catch the spirit and aura so that MRPB’s existence is empowered. I agree because of what it was formed for,” said Bamsoet when receiving the West Papua MRP hearing at the Parliament Complex, Jakarta, Monday.

According to him, the MPR RI for Papua always involves MRPB to be an active part of the development process in Papua and West Papua.

The focus according to Bamsoet is to ensure the involvement of the people of Papua and West Papua while maximizing the role and function of the MRPB.

“Because we at the MPR do not want MRPB to exist but do not fulfill it, so there must be a role for MRPB as a bridge between the center and the regions,” he said.

The same thing was said by the Secretary of the MPR RI for Papua Filep Wamafma that the MRPB should not be seen as a complement to Special Autonomy (Otsus) but how to make it an institution that protects the basic rights of Indigenous Papuans (OAP).

He suggested that the MRPB be strengthened to protect the basic rights of OAP and that the government should not be too oriented towards accelerating the process without looking at the actual issues raised.

“We all have to prioritize MRPB because cultural representatives, women. The President, DPR, and MPR RI need input who call MRPB,” he said.

Also attending the audience were Deputy Chairmen of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly, Arsul Sani and Hidayat Nur Wahid, Chairman of the Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly for Papua Yorrys Raweyai (Chairman of Committee II DPD RI), Secretary of the MPR RI For Papua Filep Wamafma (DPD RI member), and members of the Indonesian MPR. For Papua Robert Kardinal (member of Commission X DPR RI).

While the MRPB present included the Chairperson of the MRPB Maxsi Nelson Ahoren, the Chairperson of the MRPB Household Affairs Committee Yulianus Thebu, as well as the leader of the MRPB Customary, Religious and Women’s Working Group.

West Papua People’s Assembly