Extension of Papua<\/p>\n
From Media Indonesia<\/p>\n
Presidential instruction program (Inpres) No.1\/2003 on the
\nregional extension of Papua and the formation of several
\ncities\/regencies has so far invited arguments that are for and
\nagainst the scheme. In fact, this program is clearly aimed at
\npromoting public welfare and achieving development targets in
\nvarious fields in Papua, formerly called Irian Jaya.<\/p>\n
The instruction evolved from Law No.45\/1999 on the
\nestablishment of the provinces of West Irian Jaya, Central Irian
\nJaya and East Irian Jaya, the regencies of Mikika, Painai, Puncak
\nJaya and the city of Sorong, which had been suspended by Law
\nNo.5\/2000. The views voiced by some community leaders do not have
\nto be exaggerated because they represent only a small part of the
\nPapuans and they will accede to the plan as soon as it is
\nimplemented.<\/p>\n
The Fakfak regent and council speaker, for instance, are
\nenthusiastically backing the formation of a province in their
\nregion, while several Papuan tribal chiefs have submitted their
\nstatements of support to the interior ministry. It means that the
\nregional administration and people of Papua are behind the
\nextension program.<\/p>\n
In order to convince the Papuans, who have mostly supported
\nthe realization of Inpres 1\/2003, and to avoid the unnecessary
\nexpansion of the polemics on this issue, the government should
\npromptly carry out this policy so that the locals can soon enjoy
\nwhat they are expecting.<\/p>\n
BAYU RICHSAN
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
***<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/extension-of-papua-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }