Merauke Regent Encourages Accelerated Expansion Of The South Papua Region

Regent of Merauke, Papua, Romanus Mbaraka. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The Regent of Merauke, Papua, Romanus Mbaraka has pushed for the acceleration of the division of the South Papua region into a new autonomous region (DOB) in Papua.

"Basically, we in South Papua, Merauke, Mappi, Boven Digoel, and Asmat, totally agree that the division can be carried out and accelerated," Romanus said in his statement, quoted from Antara, Saturday, April 30.

This step is considered to be able to accelerate development in Papua. Romanus emphasized that after the Legislation Body (Baleg) of the DPR RI passed 3 Draft Laws (RUU) related to the formation of a new province in Papua into law.

The three bills, which regulate the formation of the provinces of South Papua, Central Papua, and Papua Central Mountains.

He emphasized that the expansion of the three new provinces must be accelerated to encourage accelerated development, improve services, equity, public welfare, and support governance.

This is in view of the various obstacles related to development in Papua, one of which concerns the wide coverage area. Romanus realizes that the government has made various efforts to support development in Papua.

The steps, he said, include improving infrastructure, special autonomy funds (otsus), and various other efforts. However, due to the wide coverage of the Papua region, these efforts have not yielded maximum results in achieving the target of community welfare.

"With such an area, like it or not, and like it or not (the expansion must be accelerated)," he said.

On the other hand, continued Romanus, the South Papua region has various potentials that can support expansion, both in the food sector and other sectors.

In addition, he said, the security aspect in the area was considered to be well maintained. Therefore, the expansion in the South Papua region needs to be encouraged.

"In Southern Papua, we live in peace. All people in Southern Papua agree to the division. Because Papua is an integral part of Indonesia," said Romanus.