Papua's MRP Approves Draft Special Regional Regulation to Strengthen Protection for Indigenous Papuans (OAP)

Jayapura — The Papua People’s Assembly (MRP) has officially approved the Draft Special Regional Regulation (Raperdasus) on amendments to Special Regional Regulation No. 17 of 2023 concerning provincial and regency/city Regional Apparatus, with measures to strengthen protection for Indigenous Papuans (OAP). Chair of the MRP, Nerlince Wamuar, said that approval represents the commitment of the Papua cultural institution to ensuring regional policies truly support Papuan indigenous communities. ‘The considerations provided by the MRP are not merely formalities, but represent the voice of the OAP in both the highlands and the coastal areas,’ he said during the Plenary Meeting to determine considerations and approve Raperdasus No. 17 of 2023 on Provincial, Regency and City Apparatus at the MRP Building, Jayapura City, Papua, on Friday. According to Nerlince, in discussing the Raperdasus to strengthen protection for OAP, the Papua MRP, through the Special Regulation Committee, put forward substantial notes to ensure that the structure of the regional apparatus is not only oriented toward bureaucratic efficiency, but also becomes an instrument of protection, advocacy, and empowerment for OAP. ‘We also proposed strengthening the principles and objectives of the Perdasus by adding the principles of respect, protection, and empowerment of the basic rights of OAP, including improvements to the welfare and self-reliance of Papuan indigenous communities,’ he said. He further explained that they also urged the establishment of a dedicated body for the protection and empowerment of the OAP community as a flagship sector for implementing OAP affirmative action in Papua. ‘Therefore, we hope that after it is submitted to the Papua DPR, it can be discussed with the local government so that the enactment stage can move to becoming a Special Regional Regulation,’ he said. Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker I of the Papua People’s Representative Council (DPRP), Herlin Beatrix Maryke Monim, said they expressed appreciation to the MRP, particularly the Special Regulation Committee, which has worked deeply, critically, and constructively in giving consideration to the contents of this Raperdasus. Referring to Article 20(1)(b) of Law Number 2 of 2021 on Amendments to Law Number 21 of 2001 concerning Special Autonomy for the Province of Papua, it states that the MRP has the duty and authority to provide consideration and approval for the draft Perdasus submitted by the Papua DPR together with the Governor,’ he said.