Special Autonomy Breakthrough of Developed Country for Papuan Indigenous People

The Papua Special Autonomy (Otsus) policy is proof of the government's seriousness in improving the welfare of the people on Earth of Cenderawasih. The implementation of Otsus is the best way to develop Papua, both physically and in terms of 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 it was first distributed, the total disbursed funding support has increased from time to time. In 2002, the funds disbursed amounted to Rp. 1.38 trillion, while in 2020 it was Rp. 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 is also one of the instruments used by the central government in accelerating development in the two provinces.

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

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

The reason is, corruption or misuse of state money is one of the serious causes in the reproduction of poverty in Papua. As a result, it is hoped that the accountability and transparency of Otsus will be able to truly benefit the welfare and independence of all Papuans, including the indigenous Papuans themselves.

Balthasar Kambuaya, Deputy Chair of the Steering Committee for the 2001 Special Autonomy Development Team, explained that the Otsus presented used a welfare approach where previously the centralized approach failed to improve the standard of living of indigenous Papuans.

"The goal 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, in a discussion on the "Otsus To Liberate Papua" Webinar, Tuesday (2/12/2020) night. .

In Otsus already contained various major breakthroughs in which Papuans are given more authority and great responsibility. Otsus is intended to provide protection for the empowerment of indigenous Papuans. Otsus was also compiled by intelligent Papuan community groups according to the needs of the times.

Thanks to Otsus, it's like half of them are independent, because great authority is given in terms of government, education, economy, as well as health.

“Otsus brings radical changes to Papua, it must be admitted that 18 years have passed, some have succeeded and some have not, indeed need to be improved. But at least 75 percent of the Otsus have been successful,” said Balthasar.
 
John Wempi Wetipo, Deputy Minister of PUPR, added that Special Autonomy was born so that Papuans would become masters in their own area, as hope and a solution. During the Jokowi era in Papua, various breakthroughs were made, infrastructure connectivity was continuously carried out. The Center pays more attention to pushing infrastructure in Papua to be more advanced. Even if there is an assessment of Otsus failing, it is not because of Otsus itself, but rather because regional officials are not transparent and cannot implement Otsus.

"It's not that special autonomy failed, but more because officials who can't execute their mandate because the concept of special autonomy is already good," he said.

Freedy Numbery, a senior Papuan figure, added that the concept and policy of Special Autonomy was a great step taken by the state for Papua. However, the regulations are great, but if they are not followed by a good bureaucracy, then it becomes a mess. Otsus is a powerful thought for Papuan children.

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

Asmat Deputy Regent Thomas Eppe Safanpo, explained, Otsus has provided great benefits. Many Papuan youths can study abroad. Better access to healthcare. Unfortunately, the various advantages were not properly socialized by the provincial government.

Although there are still shortcomings, in the past 20 years to date, the presence of Otsus has provided enormous benefits that are focused on four priority programs. Such as, aspects of education, health, infrastructure, to community economic empowerment. It is proof that the Central Government's attention to Papua is so great.

We have never done an assessment evaluation, but we have come to the conclusion that it failed to do any good, this was a big mistake and there was a massive campaign by anti-state groups. Making social media dominated by anti-Otsus groups.

"If the Papuan Provincial Government has the capability, all you have to do is disseminate the number of Otsus beneficiaries and then disseminate it, if necessary, pay social activists to disseminate it so that the public space is not filled with anti-Otsus groups," he said.