Papuan proposal seeks wide-ranging autonomy<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): As a compromise to the intense calls for
\nindependence, resource-rich Irian Jaya is offering to remain
\nwithin Indonesia if it retains a bigger portion of its own
\nwealth, an initiative bill submitted by the province suggests.<\/p>\n
The bill, drafted by a 14-member team comprising officials of
\nthe local administration, councillors, non-governmental activists
\nand proindependence leaders in the province, also known as Papua,
\nunderscores an independent administration with separate
\nconstitution and broad policy guidelines.<\/p>\n
\"The Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) and the Papuan People's
\nRepresentatives (DPRP) determine and endorse the policy
\nguidelines and constitution,\" the draft, a copy of which was made
\navailable to The Jakarta Post, proposes.<\/p>\n
The separatist movement has been prominent in the easternmost
\nprovince since a UN-administered plebiscite in 1969 ratified
\nIndonesian sovereignty over the former Dutch colony.<\/p>\n
The bill was drawn up in response to Jakarta's offer of
\nspecial autonomy status to the province, which is home to
\nabundant mineral deposits.<\/p>\n
It says the MRP and DPRP must consist of people whose parents,
\nor at least one of their parents, are native Papuans.<\/p>\n
The draft also proposes that gubernatorial and vice
\ngubernatorial posts are both restricted to Papuans.<\/p>\n
Besides the national anthem Indonesia Raya and national flag
\nMerah Putih, the province recognizes a different flag and anthem
\nwhich symbolize the identity of Papuans, the draft says.<\/p>\n
The draft was presented to President Abdurrahman Wahid and
\nHouse of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung earlier
\nthis week. The government had earlier submitted its own bill
\noutlining special autonomy for Irian Jaya to the DPR.<\/p>\n
Comprising 76 articles, the initiative draft stipulates any
\ndeployment and withdrawal of troops from the National Police and
\nIndonesian Military require approval from the MRP and DPRP.<\/p>\n
\"It is also necessary to establish a local police force, which
\nfalls under the governor's supervision but cooperates with the
\nnational police. Coordination of the two police institutions must
\nbe conducted with the governor's knowledge,\" the draft says.<\/p>\n
Revenue sharing, dubbed the thorn aggravating the relationship
\nbetween Jakarta and Papua, changes radically, with the central
\ngovernment receiving only 20 percent of the province's income.<\/p>\n
Under the new formula, the province is expected to collect
\nbetween Rp 12.8 trillion (US$1.16 billion) and Rp 16 trillion a
\nyear in net revenue, a sharp rise from the current Rp 2.8
\ntrillion.<\/p>\n
The draft also recognizes the traditional rights of the people
\nand gives more opportunity for women representatives in the MRP
\nand DPRP. It also guarantees people's rights to receive health
\nservices and better nutrition.<\/p>\n
A legislator from the Golkar faction, Simon Patrice Morrin,
\nwho is an Irian Jaya native, suggested on Friday that the central
\ngovernment pay more attention to the draft if it wants to appease
\nindependence demands in the province.<\/p>\n
\"We don't know what will happen in the province if we ignore
\nthe draft as it has gone through a series of tough dialogs among
\nthe people there,\" Simon said, adding that the House should
\ndeliberate the draft as soon as possible. (dja)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/papuan-proposal-seeks-wide-ranging-autonomy-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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