Otsus is the State's Big Breakthrough to Promote Indigenous Papuans

The Papua special autonomy policy (Otsus) is proof of the government's seriousness in efforts to improve the welfare of the people of Cenderawasih Earth. The application of Otsus is the best way to develop Papua, both physically and in human resources.

At least, from 2002 to 2020, the Provinces of Papua and West Papua have received special autonomy funds of up to Rp. 126.99 trillion. In fact, since the first time it was distributed, the total funding support that has been disbursed has increased from time to time. In 2002, the funds given were IDR 1.38 trillion, while in 2020 it was IDR 13.05 trillion.

This means that there has been a significant increase of up to 10 times since the funds were rolled out. The fund has become one of the instruments used by the central government in accelerating development in the two provinces.

Talking about Otsus is not only talking about the funds, but also the special affirmative rights for indigenous Papuans to get the right to health, education, economic welfare, to become the main leaders in government, employment, infrastructure development services, and so on.

The support of the Papua Special Autonomy Fund is actually aimed at financing education and health, as well as supporting infrastructure development financing. Therefore, there needs to be a record so that the management of Papua's Special Autonomy, including its budget is transparent and requires strict law enforcement.

This is because corruption or misuse of state money is one of the serious causes of poverty reproduction in the land of Papua. As a result, it is hoped that the accountability and transparency of Otsus will truly benefit the welfare and independence of all Papuan people, including indigenous Papuans themselves.

Balthasar Kambuaya, Deputy Chairperson of the Stering Committee for the 2001 Papua Special Autonomy Compilation Team, explained that Otsus was presented using a welfare approach where previously a centralized centralized approach failed to improve the standard of living of indigenous Papuans.

"The aim of Otsus at that time was to want Papua to get out of poverty, to free Papua from the threat of poverty, the shackles of being left behind, fear, oppression, discrimination," said Balthasar Kambuaya, during a Webinar discussion "Otsus for the Free Papua".

Special Autonomy has contained major breakthroughs in which Papuans have been given more authority and responsibility. Otsus is intended to provide protection for the empowerment of indigenous Papuans. Special Autonomy was also prepared by a group of intelligent Papuans according to the needs of the times.

Thanks to Otsus, it is as if half of them are already independent, because great powers are given in terms of government, education, economy, as well as health.

"Special Autonomy has brought radical changes for Papua, it must be admitted that 18 years have passed, some have succeeded and not, it needs to be improved. However, at least 75 percent of Otsus has been successful, "said Balthasar.

John Wempi Wetipo, Deputy Minister of PUPR, added that Otsus was born so that Papuans become masters in their own regions, as a hope and solution. In the Jokowi era, Papua made various breakthroughs, infrastructure connectivity was continued. The center pays more attention to encouraging infrastructure in Papua to be more advanced. Even if there is an assessment of Otsus failing, it is not because of Otsus itself, but more because regional officials are not transparent and cannot carry out Otsus.

"It is not that Otsus has failed, but more because officials who cannot execute are carrying out their mandate because the concept of Otsus is already good," he said.

Freedy Numbery, a senior Papuan figure added, the concept and policy of Special Autonomy is a great step taken by the state for Papua. However, the regulations are great, but when it is not followed by good bureaucracy, it becomes chaotic. Otsus is a powerful idea for Papuan children.

"We need to change our approach. Special Autonomy is good, but we need the right approach and better supervision," said Freedy.

Deputy Regent of Asmat, Thomas Eppe Safanpo, explained that Otsus has provided great benefits. Many young Papuans can go to school abroad. Better health access. Unfortunately, these various advantages are not well socialized by the provincial government.

Although there are still shortcomings, in the 20 years period until now, the presence of Otsus has provided enormous benefits, which are focused on four priority programs. For example, aspects of education, health, infrastructure, to community economic empowerment. This is proof that the Central Government's attention to Papua is so great.

We have never conducted an assessment evaluation but have come to the conclusion that failure is of no benefit, this is a big mistake and a massive campaign by anti-state groups. Making social media dominated by anti-Otsus groups.

"If the Papua Provincial Government has the capability, just disseminate the number of Otsus beneficiaries and then socialize it, if necessary, pay social activists to socialize it so that the public space is not filled with anti-Special Autonomy groups," he said.

Source: https://www.beritasatu.com/nasional/705367/otsus-terobosan-besar-negara-maju-orang-asli-papua