Papua's subdivision

Papua's subdivision

From Koran Tempo

On Aug. 23, 2003, the government, through the Papuan regional council, declared the establishment of Central Irian Jaya province. Previously, West Irian Java was also inaugurated as a province. The subdivision of Papua is not only in accordance with Law No.45/1999 but also meant to promote the welfare of Papuans.

The region's subdivision has been followed by a debate supporting and opposing the policy. In this period of reform, which strongly upholds democracy, dissent is considered normal. But when such differences are tainted with violence, as with clashes between groups of local people, the situation leads to anarchy.

The conflict indicates that the aim of this regional subdivision has not been understood by the entire Papuan population. In fact, the policy gives freedom to the local administration to improve the living standards and welfare of its citizens, because it has the advantage of accelerating the process of regional development and limiting the scope of administrative control.

With respect to infrastructure, the division will facilitate the region's land, air and sea transport development in an integrated and well-planned manner, in accordance with regional capacity. Economic empowerment will also be optimally realized through direct community involvement.

At present, the best approach is certainly to provide more persuasive, profound and rational information on the objective of the regional subdivision, so that acts of brutality can be further avoided.

WANTO PAR'I Jakarta