The Papuan Rising Observer Alliance to Support Government in Accelerating Implementation of DOB

JAKARTA – The Papuan Rising Observer Alliance (Aliansi Pemerhati Papua Bangkit) to carry out a peaceful demonstration to support the expansion of the New Autonomous Region (DOB) in Papua to improve the welfare of the indigenous Papuan people.

This action was carried out behind the Office of the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), last Friday (13/5/2022). “We from the Papuan Rising Observer Alliance urge the government to accelerate the implementation of new autonomous regions in Papua,” said Coordinator of the Alliance, Deksa in his statement, Sunday (15/5/2022).

For them, the expansion of Papua will improve the welfare of the Indigenous Papuans (OAP). “Papua is part of the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia, so the process of equitable development in Papua is a priority for accelerating the development of the central government to answer the needs and demands of the Papuan people,” said Deksa.

See also: Support the New Autonomous Regions in Papua, Tabi Traditional Forum: We Want All Communities to be Prosperous

Furthermore, he said, the New Autonomous Region is a solution to answer the demands of the Papuan people, both in terms of infrastructure development, education, health, and the economy, which will be enjoyed by the Papuan people more broadly and equitably.

“The state’s alignment with Papua’s development is through the mandate of Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy (Otsus) for Papua. So the Papuan Rising Observer Alliance urges the central government to immediately implement the implementation of the mandate of Law Number 2 of 2021, especially the realization of new autonomous regions,” he explained.

For Deksa, DOB is a solution to accelerate and equitable development in Papua as well as criticize any party that hinders OAP from getting the right to enjoy welfare. “The expansion bill has been discussed in the DPR by involving elements of the community as well as academia, so there is no reason by anyone accusing the government of issuing unilateral policies,” he continued.

Deksa continued that Papua has a large area so it is impossible to only be controlled by one regional government. “For this reason, it is necessary to expand so that the span of control of public services is closer to the Papuan people,” he continued. Indigenous Papuans, added Deksa, also want the territory in Papua to be expanded, so the people’s support for the central government’s agenda and representation in the DPR is the embodiment of OAP’s aspirations.

“Don’t use the Papuan people as a shield of power by a handful of Papuan elites to block the expansion for personal gain, and criticize anyone who interferes with the interests of the Papuan people against the expansion of the territory and criticizes the provocation of the Papuan people,” he hoped.

Read also: Pastor George Sorontouw: New Autonomous Region Brings a Better Future for Papua

The Papuan Rising Observer Alliance will continue to oversee the agenda for the expansion of Papua in accordance with the aspirations of the majority of the Papuan people.

Source: Sindo News