The Vice President accepts the proposal to form two new provinces in Papua

Vice President Ma'ruf Amin noted the proposals to form two new provinces that were submitted by several regional officials in Papua Province.

"The answer is that there are two customs, one is Saereri custom and (both) Bomberai. He said that his aspirations have not yet been to become a separate province, we noted. Hopefully there will also be new new autonomous regions again," said Ma'ruf Amin at Parai Beach, Biak Numfor Regency, Papua, Friday.

During an audience with a number of regional heads and regional officials in Biak Numfor, Papua, Friday, Ma'ruf Amin received a request to split a new autonomous region (DOB) as the customary territory of the Saereri, namely the province of North Papua. Previously, Thursday (30/11), Ma'ruf Amin also heard about the proposal to split the Bomberai Raya region or Central West Papua into a new province.

"First, I am very impressed with the optimistic enthusiasm from various social segments in realizing a prosperous, safe, and peaceful Papua. Earlier, I toured five places, I got the impression there is enthusiasm, including in Biak (Numfor), to make Papua is prosperous, just and peaceful," said Ma'ruf.

He also admitted that he had listened carefully to messages, reflections and hopes from religious leaders, traditional leaders and Papuan community leaders.

"To strengthen national brotherhood, national brotherhood in the Land of Papua. We heard about it in Merauke, heard about it in Mimika. I also feel the social strength of Papua which is based on religious ties, customs and good leadership from the local government. In my opinion, these are the hopes that can be we'll see," he added.

During his working visit to Papua, Ma'ruf Amin held audiences with a number of regional heads, religious leaders, traditional leaders, and local community leaders. He also witnessed various technocratic breakthroughs made by district and city governments, local champions, community leaders, and business actors in Papua.

"I appreciate the strong desire to develop local superior commodities, such as coffee centers in mountainous areas, food storage centers in Merauke, spice centers in Fakfak and Kaimana, and fish storage centers in Biak. I have asked the Minister of Maritime Affairs, according to the wishes of the regent, so that he can direct exports from Biak to Japan and America," he explained.

During the hearing, the Regent of Biak Numfor Herry Ario Naap demanded that the Saereri customary territory, which consists of Biak Numfor, Yapen Islands, Waropen Islands and Supiori, could become a new province, namely North Papua.

"I need to remind you that Law 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy stipulates that the Papua region will be divided according to customary territories, so six customary territories have received their rights, so we, the seventh customary territory, also expect justice from the Special Autonomy Law," said Herry.

Herry also admitted that his area was sufficient to finance the budget for the new province himself.

"If we export and get support for the Biak-Narita direct flight route, with a capacity of 600-800 thousand tons per year, then we will generate foreign exchange for the country of IDR 17.5 trillion per year. So even if we become a province, the state will not dizzy because we have already made IDR 17.5 trillion for the state, so it doesn't burden the state," said Herry.

SOURCE : https://papuabarat.antaranews.com/berita/24275/wapres-accept-usulan-pemformasian-dua-provinsi-baru-di-papua