Regional autonomy needs transition period: Researchers

Regional autonomy needs transition period: Researchers

JAKARTA (JP): Regional autonomy, scheduled to become effective
May 2001, urgently needs a transition period given the
vulnerability to continued communal conflict, researchers said on
Tuesday.

Laode Ida, chairman of the Center for Regional Development
Studies (PSPK), revealed the results of the center's study of
conflict-ridden regions such as Maluku, West Kalimantan, Aceh,
and Irian Jaya.

However, he did not suggest a time frame for the transitional
phase.

The study, conducted for one month from early March, focused
on communal conflicts involving religious and ethnic differences,
and conflicts involving the national elite, such as timber
concessions.

Like other experts, Laode said regions were not yet ready for
autonomy.

A science and regional autonomy expert from the National
Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS), Deddy Supriady
Bratakusumah, echoed other observers, saying that despite
shortcomings, implementing regional autonomy was inevitable.

"If the policy is postponed, demands for independence (in the
regions) will be stronger," Deddy said, adding that regional
autonomy had become a global trend.

Laode said that while the law will provide the regions with
greater authority, regional power struggles involving religious
and ethnic sentiments will continue, especially outside Java.

"Whichever local ethnic group is in power will show its
arrogance, both politically and economically, generating
horizontal conflicts. This could explode at anytime," Laode
added.

Sociologist Thamrin Amal Tamagola from the University of
Indonesia agreed, saying that ethnic groups who did not share
power would go through a "minority syndrome".

Such groups will continue to be suspicious of any policy made
by the majority.

Laode added, "There will be fights over natural resources
between regencies because the autonomy law doesn't set limits for
regional authority in natural resources exploitation."

He was referring to law no. 22/1999 on regional government,
that relates to law no. 25/1999 on fiscal balance between the
central and regional governments.

Regulations for the new law are still being drafted.

Laode also said that when the law comes into effect, locals'
demands to reclaim their assets exploited by outsiders through
arrangements with the central government will increase.

He was referring to controversial issues involving mining
firms such as PT Freeport Indonesia in Irian Jaya and PT Newmont
Minahasa Raya in North Sulawesi.

On Monday the Ministry of Mines and Energy disclosed that at
least 16 foreign mining companies have delayed exploration
activities due to uncertainty in security or for financial
reasons.

Simon Sembiring, the director of mining development, said the
outbursts of conflicts between local communities and mining firms
are an expression of regional discontent over mining and timber
operations.

The study of PSPK concluded that "the law could not be
implemented uniformly in every region of the country and there
should be special consideration for every region" because of
their uniqueness in ethnic composition and natural resources.

If exploitation of natural resources continues to be perceived
to benefit outsiders only, Laode said continued vertical
conflicts could be expected. He was referring to conflicts
between locals and business owners from outside. (08)