Special Autonomy Award for the Papuan People

Special autonomy is an extraordinary gift for the Papuan people, because they are increasingly prosperous thanks to the Special Autonomy Fund. Not only in terms of economy, progress is also felt in various fields, including the education sector.

During the New Order era, Papua, which used to be called Irian Jaya, was still synonymous with areas full of virgin forests and still slightly touched by modernity, knowing that in the past it was still centralized so that development was not evenly distributed.

However, after the reform era, there was decentralization so that each region was given the authority to move forward. This includes Papua, which wants to grow and maximize the potential of its natural resources.
Special autonomy which began in 2001, since the era of (former) President Abdurrahman Wahid alias Gus Dur, is a great gift for Papua. The reason is because there is a disbursement of funds of up to trillions of rupiah. Of course, this fantastic amount is not just distributed, but is used as infrastructure and various programs that will advance the people on Earth of Cendrawasih.

A senior Papuan figure who was also the author of the 2001 Otsus draft, Michael Manufandu, stated that the various progresses that had been made in Bumi Cendrawasih could not be separated from the Otsus policy, whose legal umbrella was Law No. 21 of 2001. MRP (Papuan People's Assembly). So that OAP (indigenous Papuans) can speak out to develop their own region.

Michael added that without Law No. 21 of 2001 concerning special autonomy, it is impossible for Papua to have 2 provinces. In addition, the government will try to be close to the people and provide the best and fastest service. In a sense, when there are 2 provinces, the service to the community will be closer, so they don't have to go far to Jayapura.
The progress that has been made thanks to the Otsus funds is already very visible in the infrastructure, including the red Youtefa bridge that stands proudly. In addition to being a liaison, this bridge is also a tourist attraction that attracts the attention of local and international tourists.

Another infrastructure built thanks to the Special Autonomy funds is the Trans Papua Road. The road that stretches for more than 4,000 KM has become the pride of the people of Bumi Cendrawasih, because it is the first time that the people there have wide, good roads, and accelerate mobility. So they don't have to go by foot or by air, which is very expensive.

In addition to infrastructure, the Special Autonomy funds are also used for education and most importantly, of course, providing scholarships for the sons of Papua. They can enjoy education from elementary to high school for free. You can even go to college, if you have good achievements. The chosen campus is not only in Java or other islands, but also abroad. Even Governor Lukas Enembe has also attended the graduation of native Papuan students.

The existence of Otsus is the greatest gift for the people of Earth of Cendrawasih, because they get various facilities from the government. Starting from the formation of the Papuan People's Council as a representation of representatives of the indigenous Papuan people, the provision of special autonomy funds for infrastructure, to the education sector. All of this is for the sake of prosperity and progress on the Earth of Paradise.

When Otsus is very profitable, then the extension of Otsus is very much supported by the community. The reason is because after 20 years, various changes have been seen that have occurred thanks to the Special Autonomy Fund. Modern infrastructure has been built and people's mobility is faster. In addition, people's lives improve and children can enjoy scholarships up to university level.

SOURCE: https://www.deliknews.com/2021/10/17/otsus-harga-bagi-rakyat-papua/