New province to

New province to
solve Papua issue

From Media Indonesia

People in the region of Irian Jaya, now called Papua, are
still lagging behind in their standard of living, while the
political movement to secede from the Republic of Indonesia is
escalating. Despite the region's rich gold and copper deposits,
Papuans remain poor and underdeveloped, possibly due to the
vastness of the province, which makes development efforts
ineffective and centered only in certain areas. The division of
Papua into several provinces is thus necessary to ensure
equitable development.

Jimmy Demianus Ijie, secretary-general of the National
Committee for Reactivation of West Irian Jaya Province, said in
Jakarta on Jan. 7, 2003, that the population of West Irian Jaya
demanded the establishment of this new province. David Obadiri,
chairman of the committee, explained that the formation of the
province was in line with Law No.45/1999, and that it was not in
conflict with the law on Papua's special autonomy.

Both committee leaders believe that any delay in declaring the
new province would give an opportunity for the secessionist Free
Papua Movement to consolidate its power, while the people of West
Irian Jaya were already committed to remain united with the
republic.

In this context, I would suggest that the government comply
with the committee's request, particularly in view of the
presence of various groups wishing to separate from the republic.
It could be a solution to deflating the separatist movement and
to better guaranteeing the Papuans' welfare.

PRIBADI DHARMO P.
Jakarta