Special Autonomy for Papua as a Solution Towards Equitable Welfare of the Papuan People

Since the signing of Law No. 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy (Otsus) for Papua which was previously approved in the plenary session of the DPR, the special autonomy funds have been maximized for the purpose of economic equality and the welfare of the Papuan people.

This is a summary of the substance conveyed by Papuan observers

Member of Commission VIII DPR RI, Dra. Hj. Anisah, M.Ag said that the purpose of the Special Autonomy for Papua and West Papua is to give special authority to regulate and manage the lives of the people of Papua and West Papua based on the aspirations and basic rights of the people of Papua and West Papua.

"The granting of authority is carried out so that the administration of government and development in the provinces of Papua and West Papua can fulfill a sense of justice, accelerate the achievement of people's welfare, support the realization of law enforcement and implement respect for the rights of the people of Papua and West Papua.

In addition, the Special Autonomy Law for Papua and West Papua also regulates specificities for the people of Papua and West Papua in various sectors such as politics, economy, social and culture," said Anisah, Tuesday (22/2).

Meanwhile in a separate place, DR. Andi Desfiandi, MA, an academic from Darmajaya University, Bandar Lampung, said that, since the reform era, especially in the Joko Widodo administration, the government has given a lot of attention to the people of Papua and West Papua. Many changes have occurred since special autonomy was given to the people of Papua and West Papua. The Special Autonomy Fund for Papua and West Papua can provide prosperity so that there is no longer a gap between the people of Papua and West Papua with other provinces in Indonesia and is even expected to be on a par with other provinces in Indonesia.

"With the special autonomy of Papua and West Papua, it is hoped that the people of Papua and West Papua will be more prosperous and can feel justice from the development that is being carried out," said Andi.

In line with Anisah and Andi Desfiandi, Chairperson of the PAPEDA Alliance (Papua Cares for Peace), Yulianus Dwaa, MM said that the success of the special autonomy of Papua and West Papua can be seen from the fields of education, social and politics.

"The granting of special autonomy for Papua and West Papua is evident in the political field, namely the large number of indigenous Papuans and West Papuans who are active in the political field, besides that special autonomy for Papua and West Papua can also provide solutions for the welfare of the people of Papua and West Papua through improving aspects of education and social services," said Yulianus Dwaa.

SOURCE: http://koranprogresif.co.id/otsus-papua-as-solution-menuju-pererataan-kesejahteraan- Masyarakat-papua/