Kalla seeking to restore Papuan confidence

Kalla seeking to restore Papuan confidence

Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Vice President Jusuf Kalla has again proved himself to be a more
than competent mediator, bringing together officials from Papua
and the central government on Thursday and prodding them into an
agreement on the legal basis for the controversial formation of
West Irian Jaya province.

The central government was represented at the negotiations by
Coordinating Minister for Political, Security and Legal Affairs
Widodo A.S., home minister Moh. Ma'ruf and National Police chief
Gen. Sutanto. The delegation from Papua consisted of Governor
Jaap Solossa, provincial legislature speaker John Ibo and the
chairman of the newly established Papuan People's Council (MRP),
Agus Aluwe.

The two sides were able to agree that the formation of West
Irian Jaya must be based on Law No. 21/2001 on special autonomy
for Papua.

As part of this agreement the formation of West Irian Jaya,
which already has a provincial administration and legislature,
will be rediscussed by the provincial legislature and
administration under the legal framework of the special autonomy
law.

This law states that the partitioning of Papua into two or
more provinces requires the approval of the provincial
legislature, the governor of Papua and the MRP.

Returning to the issue of West Irian Jaya's creation opens the
possibility of reversing the partition, particularly given that
many Papuans have been extremely vocal in their opposition to the
new province. Lots of Papuans also oppose the special autonomy
law itself, as well as the controversial 1969 vote that
officially made the territory a part of Indonesia.

Aware of this possibility, Kalla flexed his mediation muscles
to secure a win-win solution for both sides and to convince the
Papuan officials that this process would benefit all Papuans.

Ignoring an earlier Constitutional Court decision on West
Irian Jaya, Kalla was convinced (by the Papuan delegation) that
the Papuan provincial legislature, the governor and the MRP would
approve the establishment of West Irian Jaya, if the central
government issued a government regulation in lieu of law (Perpu)
as the legal basis for the new province's existence.

The Perpu would replace Law No. 45/1999, which led to the
formation of West Irian Jaya. That law was annulled by the
Constitutional Court last November because it violated Papua's
special autonomy law, though the court declined to strike down
the province's creation.

It is hoped that replacing the law with a Perpu would close
the door on all future questions regarding the legality of the
province.

Partitioning Papua into two provinces would weaken the
secessionist movement in the region and help the military and the
police better manage security and defense in the two provinces.

The agreement also paved the way for the first direct
gubernatorial election in West Irian Jaya, following two delays.
Kalla's Golkar Party will be the likely favorite to win the
election when it is finally held, giving it even more power in
the area.

Papua Governor Solossa and his deputy Constant Karma, two
senior Golkar members in Papua, have already announced they will
run for reelection. Yorris Raweyai, another Golkar member, will
run in the gubernatorial election in West Irian Jaya.

After having already played an important role in promoting
peace in Aceh (Helsinki agreement), Ambon (Malino peace pact I)
and Poso (Malino peace pact II), Kalla is eager to improve
conditions in Papua and pave the way for foreign investment in
the region.

Political stability and security would also encourage local
investors and Sulawesi traders to expand their businesses in
Papua and West Irian Jaya.