Tribal Chiefs In Manokwari 'Go Down The Mountain,' Declare Papua Peace To Support The Implementation Of Otsus-DOB

Indigenous peoples together with indigenous Papuan tribal chiefs in the West Papua region support the implementation of Otsus and the formation of new autonomous regions (Photo Via ANTARA)

WEST PAPUA - The Doreri Tribe Indigenous People in Manokwari Regency together with indigenous Papuan chiefs in the Domberai Customary Region III, West Papua, are committed to supporting development within the framework of special autonomy (Otsus).

This commitment was declared through the signing of a joint statement at the Secretariat of the Doreri Tribe in Manokwari Regency, Wednesday, March 9.

The Head of the Doreri Tribe, Gat Hendrik Rumfabe stated that the joint commitment was made to support the reconciliation and restructuring process towards a peaceful Papua by implementing Otsus and the establishment of a New Autonomous Region (DOB).

"As Papuan indigenous peoples in the West Papua region, we fully support the government's program aimed at developing and prospering all of us who inhabit this customary area," said Rumfabe as quoted by Antara.

Rumfabe stated that the implementation of Otsus in this area is proof of the central government's concern for raising the dignity of indigenous Papuans to rise up and work in various fields of development within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

He positively welcomed the plan for regional expansion or the formation of new autonomous regions in the West Papua region because it is part of the implementation of Otsus that should be supported by indigenous peoples.

"We strongly support the formation of district and provincial new autonomous regions to answer development needs, as well as provide opportunities for indigenous Papuan sons and daughters to lead their own regions," said Rumfabe.

He acknowledged that in terms of human resources, there are still many indigenous Papuan sons and daughters who are graduate students who need jobs, therefore the Special Autonomy Law provides an opportunity through the formation of new autonomous regions to address this gap.

"DOB will open up job opportunities and this must be supported by all indigenous peoples because the government is a partner of various traditional institutions that exist on Papuan land," said Rumfabe.