Papua MRP Meets Deputy Chair of DPD RI to Discuss Acceleration of North Papua New Autonomous Region

The Papua People’s Assembly (MRP) continues to promote the aspirations for the new autonomous region (DOB) of North Papua Province. Following the submission of its approval to the House of Representatives, the MRP held a further audience with the Deputy Chair of the DPD RI, Yorrys Raweyai, to accelerate the realisation of the formation of North Papua Province.

MRP Chairman Nerlince Wamuar stated that the meeting aimed to seek institutional political support from the DPD RI as the political representative of the region. “As one of the leaders and representatives of the people of Papua, I am confident that Yorrys Raweyai can convince the DPD RI institution to support and accelerate the realisation of the formation of North Papua Province,” Nerlince said in a statement on Friday (2/10/2026).

Nerlince revealed that the idea for the North Papua DOB is not a new aspiration but has been circulating for decades. As these aspirations have strengthened, the MRP has provided its approval as one of the requirements for expansion as mandated by the Special Autonomy Law.

During the meeting, he presented three considerations underlying this approval. First, the protection and guarantee of the customary and ancestral rights of the Saireri people. Second, the prioritisation and mainstreaming of Indigenous Papuans (OAP). Third, community empowerment through special autonomy funds managed transparently for the interests of education, health, and the grassroots economy.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair of the DPD RI, Yorrys Raweyai, welcomed the community’s aspirations regarding the formation of the North Papua DOB. According to him, the objectives for forming North Papua Province have been well-considered and matured by all stakeholders in Papua, particularly the MRP and the Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPRP).

“The MRP’s approval is inseparable from the importance of accelerating equitable development, improving public services and community welfare, as well as upholding the dignity of Indigenous Papuans in political, administrative, legal, social, and cultural aspects, as well as human resources,” explained Yorryss.

Yorys believes that as long as the process and mechanism are well-managed and monitored, North Papua Province will soon be realised. Furthermore, the aspiration for the North Papua DOB has been included in the 2025-2029 National Legislative Program (Prolegnas).

Although categorised in the long list, Yorys noted that support from all parties would be able to push this aspiration to become urgent and a priority. He added that the MRP needs to strengthen its solidarity and align its vision and perception internally, while also maintaining good communication with all parties, particularly the government, the DPR RI, and the DPD RI. This is because these three institutions will determine the extent to which the significance and readiness of the expansion are viewed as urgent and achievable in the near future.

“The aspiration for the North Papua DOB cannot be voiced by the MRP alone; it requires strong and solid political support at both the central and regional levels,” said Yorys.

Yorys emphasised that he will follow up on the North Papua DOB aspirations in accordance with the DPD RI’s internal regulations. He hopes that the aspirations can be discussed seriously by the DPD RI institution to enrich the perspective on the future of the North Papua DOB from various aspects.