Deputy Minister Of Home Affairs Asks MRP To Actively Guard Investment In Papua

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs John Wempi Wetipo when inaugurating 34 members of the MRP at the Papua Governor's Office, Tuesday, November 7, 2023. (ANTARA/HO-Pemprov Papua)

JAYAPURA - Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) John Wempi Wetipo asked the Papuan People's Assembly (MRP) to be actively involved in overseeing the entry of investment in Bumi Cenderawasih.

"MRP is an institution that is formed as a cultural representation of indigenous Papuans who have the authority to protect the original rights of Papuans," he said in Jayapura as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, November 8.

According to Wempi, MRP can bring investment in by based on respect for customs and culture, empowerment of women, and strengthening diverse lives in Papua.

"Because one of the tasks of the MRP is to protect the rights of indigenous Papuans (OAP)," he said.

He explained that MRP has the task of providing considerations and approval of the cooperation agreement plan between the government and third parties. Especially regarding the protection of the rights of indigenous Papuans.

"This is what I emphasize, MRP must be more active in determining outsiders who invest in Papua so that there must be consent first," he said.

He said the MRP members who were inaugurated and confirmed must participate in overseeing this matter. Because the side of the MRP members is very clear, namely protecting the rights of indigenous Papuans.

"If the Governor of Papua invites investors to enter, they must ask for approval from the MRP because what is entered is a customary area owned by indigenous Papuans," said Wempi.

Previously, members of the MRP for the 2023-2028 period were inaugurated with a total of 34 members at the Papua Governor's Office, on Tuesday (7/11) yesterday.