New province to solve Papua issue

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