New province to
\nsolve Papua issue<\/p>\n
From Media Indonesia<\/p>\n
People in the region of Irian Jaya, now called Papua, are
\nstill lagging behind in their standard of living, while the
\npolitical movement to secede from the Republic of Indonesia is
\nescalating. Despite the region's rich gold and copper deposits,
\nPapuans remain poor and underdeveloped, possibly due to the
\nvastness of the province, which makes development efforts
\nineffective and centered only in certain areas. The division of
\nPapua into several provinces is thus necessary to ensure
\nequitable development.<\/p>\n
Jimmy Demianus Ijie, secretary-general of the National
\nCommittee for Reactivation of West Irian Jaya Province, said in
\nJakarta on Jan. 7, 2003, that the population of West Irian Jaya
\ndemanded the establishment of this new province. David Obadiri,
\nchairman of the committee, explained that the formation of the
\nprovince was in line with Law No.45\/1999, and that it was not in
\nconflict with the law on Papua's special autonomy.<\/p>\n
Both committee leaders believe that any delay in declaring the
\nnew province would give an opportunity for the secessionist Free
\nPapua Movement to consolidate its power, while the people of West
\nIrian Jaya were already committed to remain united with the
\nrepublic.<\/p>\n
In this context, I would suggest that the government comply
\nwith the committee's request, particularly in view of the
\npresence of various groups wishing to separate from the republic.
\nIt could be a solution to deflating the separatist movement and
\nto better guaranteeing the Papuans' welfare.<\/p>\n
PRIBADI DHARMO P.
\nJakarta<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/new-province-to-1447899208",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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