Acting Governor Of West Papua: Tribal Chief Supports Otsus-DOB Because It Is Positive For Papua's Future

Declaration of support for Otsus and DOB by indigenous Papuan and Nusantara tribal chiefs in West Papua Province at the Borasi Manokwari field, Friday (10/6/2022). (ANTARA/HANS ARNOLD KAPISA)

MANOKWARI - Acting Governor of West Papua Paulus Waterpauw said dozens of indigenous Papuan and Nusantara tribal chiefs who expressed their joint stance supporting the implementation of regional autonomy (Otsus) and encouraging the New Autonomous Region (DOB) would be a big hope in looking at the future of West Papua.

This was said by Waterpauw when welcoming the arrival of dozens of indigenous Papuan and Nusantara tribal chiefs to the governor's house in Susweni Village, East Manokwari District, Manokwari Regency.

"This is good, and we will also see what the interests of West Papua are in the future," said Waterpauw when receiving the aspirations of the tribal chiefs as reported by Antara, Friday, June 10.

Waterpauw did not deny that there are still groups who speak out against Otsus and the new autonomous regions, but today, tribal leaders, community leaders, women, youth and even the cultural institution of the West Papuan People's Council (MRPB) are giving great hope in looking at the future of West Papua in development.

"We certainly support the good ones, because the state must be present to answer the aspirations of the people who need equitable development," said Waterpauw.

Earlier on Friday, June 10, afternoon, the tribal chiefs who are members of the Alliance of Papuans and Archipelago Supporters of Special Autonomy and DOB held a declaration of support at the Manokwari Borasi Field before submitting their aspirations to the Acting Governor.

The submission of this support aspiration coincided on the 21st day of Paul Waterpauw leading the West Papua Provincial Government after receiving the post of Governor from Dominggus Mandacan on 20 May.

"The priority task that the President gave me when I was inaugurated by the Minister of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian, was to intensify Otsus and new autonomous regions in West Papua," said Waterpauw at the PKK auditorium building in West Papua Province.