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.