Commander -in -Chief Andika Perkasa Ensures TNI Controls Papua's Development

PHOTO VIA BETWEEN

JAKARTA - TNI Commander General Andika Perkasa received an audience of Papuan activists Frans Maniagasi and Philip Jusario Vermonte to discuss various issues related to sustainable development, economy, and security on Earth of Cenderawasih.

General Andika Perkasa stated that the TNI would cooperate with the government regarding safeguarding Papua's sustainable development.

"The Indonesian National Army will cooperate with the government in overseeing the sustainable development of Papua," Andika said in an audience reported by Antara, Sunday, January 16.

From the hearing that took place on Saturday, January 15 in the office of the TNI Commander, Jakarta, General Andika accompanied by a number of TNI staff received a lot of input and information regarding what has happened in the Papua region, especially as the Special Autonomy (Otsus) area.

Andika said that Papua's governance issues are the responsibility of many departments/agencies. In addition, the assistance of Papuan activists is also needed to provide information.

However, Andika ensured that he would be disciplined in carrying out the main tasks of the TNI and overseeing sustainable development in Papua.

“Indeed, this governance issue is the responsibility of many departments/agencies, yes, it was assistance from Mas Frans and Philip to try to 'sound'. But what is clear is that I will be disciplined in handling only the main tasks of the TNI, and we present this (TNI ranks, ed.), because after this (audience) is finished, we will continue to oversee the process which is our responsibility," said Andika.

Representative of Papuan activist organization Philip Jusario Vermonte from the Jakarta Cares Papua Community Association said that in addition to carrying out development in Papua, there needs to be a government perspective approach on Cenderawasih Earth.

“Maybe what we should do is approach Papua in the perspective of governance, development, and others. If there are indications that the development will increase, the index of human resource development will increase, and so on, then there will be another direct election, for example, that is one way to build governance,” said Philip.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Sabang-Merauke Discussion Forum, Frans Maniagasi, touched on the need to supervise the administration and allocation of Papua Special Autonomy funds so that they are right on target for education, health, and the economy.

He mentioned that there are three sources of Papua special autonomy funds, namely 2.25 percent with a mechanism of 1.25 percent going to districts/cities, while one percent goes to the province in the form of block grants with a note that there must be accountability.

"The philosophy of the Papua Special Autonomy Fund, which is 2.25 percent, is the contribution of the people from Aceh to Maluku to accelerate Papua," said Frans.