Meeting The Papuan And West Papuan People's Councils At The Palace, Jokowi Talks About The Special Autonomy Law And Regional Expansion

Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Mahfud MD/ANTARA

JAKARTA - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs (Menko Polhukam) Mahfud MD said President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had discussed a number of dynamics in Papua with the delegations of the Papuan People's Assembly and the West Papuan People's Assembly. One of the issues discussed was the Special Autonomy Law (Otsus).

The closed-door talks were held at the Presidential Palace today, Monday, April 25. During the meeting, President Jokowi was not only accompanied by Mahfud but also with the Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian and Deputy V from the Presidential Staff Office.

"Well, the material discussed, he (the delegation from the MRP and the West Papuan People's Assembly, ed) conveyed his aspirations related to the Special Autonomy Law," Mahfud said in a press conference broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube.

During the meeting, Mahfud said, President Jokowi gave an explanation regarding the Special Autonomy Law. One of them, explains that this law has been implemented and passed.

"For example, the Special Autonomy Law, the law has been implemented, it has been ratified, now there is a judicial review at the Constitutional Court," said the former Chief Justice of the Constitutional Court (MK).

Regarding the request, Mahfud said, the government would really respect the ongoing process. All developments will be followed without exception.

"Of course in the end it will lead to the verdict of the Constitutional Court later," he said.

In addition to the Papua Special Autonomy Law, there were a number of other things that were discussed. Including the issue of the division of territory in Papua which later became the pros and cons.

"There are those who agree and those who don't, but there is nothing in this country that is immediately approved by everyone. Therefore, the President explained based on data and that actually asking for expansion in various regions is a struggle," said Mahfud.

"There are 354 requests for expansion and based on interests, in Papua we grant them for three provinces," he concluded.