Puan Tells The Story Of Large Development In Papua When Meeting The Indonesian State Parliament

Puan Maharani (Photo via Dok DPR)

JAKARTA - DPR Speaker Puan Maharani participated in a parliamentary dialogue with countries with Melanesian clumps that are members of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) organization. In this dialogue, Puan alluded to the development of Papua which is directly adjacent to Pacific countries.

The MSG dialogue event was held on the sidelines of holding the 2nd session of the Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) held by the DPR at Fairmont Jakarta, Thursday, July 25.

"It is an honor for me to be able to meet specifically with the spirit of brotherhood and solidarity," said Puan.

The MSG parliamentary dialogue was attended by the leaders and members of the Melanesia state parliament who participated in the 2nd IPPP Session. They are the Speaker of the Parliament of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqam Lalailavu, the Speaker of the Solomon Islands Parliament, John Patterson Oti, Papua New Guinea (PNG) MP Johnson Wapunai, to the Director General of MSG who is a figure from PNG, Leonard Louma.

Meanwhile, Puan was accompanied by Deputy Speaker of the DPR Lodewijk F Paulus and Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives' Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKSAP) Fadli Zon in this event. The MSG parliamentary dialogue was also attended by the Chairman of the Indonesian National Human Rights Commission (Komnas HAM) Atnike Nova Sigiro and representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Kemenlu).

The Indonesian government itself is members of the MSG Associate Member considering that there are several provinces in eastern Indonesia that enter the Pacific region and there are also Melanesia clumps, namely Maluku, North Maluku, NTT, and 6 provinces in Papua. Puan said this meeting had an important meaning for strengthening Indonesia's cooperation with MSG countries.

This meeting reflects Indonesia's brotherhood with countries in the Pacific region. This meeting will also provide a positive feel for the successful Indonesia-Pacific Parliamentary Partnership (IPPP) which is currently underway," he said.

Puan said, Indonesia has a strong identity root as part of the Melanesian nation, and is an inseparable part of MSG. The participation of the Government as an Associate Member is said to emphasize Indonesia's commitment to continue to support MSG's vision and work in Asia-Pacific.

"We fully support the big vision of 'Pacific Elevation' initiated by the Government of Indonesia in enhancing partnerships with Pacific countries, especially with MSG members," said Puan.

"In the midst of increasing rivalry in great powers, Indonesia and MSG countries need to be the driving force of peace and stability in the Pacific," added the first woman to serve as chairman of the DPR.

On this occasion, Puan also mentioned the big development in Papua. To note, the Papua issue is quite a concern for Melanesia countries in international forums.

Indonesia understands that MSG countries have special attention for our brothers and sisters in Papua. Indonesia expresses its appreciation for the position of MSG which has emphasized Indonesia's sovereignty over Papua," said Puan.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture emphasized that the Indonesian government has prioritized development in the leading regions of Indonesia, including Papua. Puan said the increase in development in Papua covers thousands of highways to many other infrastructure facilities such as hundreds of schools, several airports, ports, and even distribution of electricity.

"The development of Papua has also been able to increase the Human Development Index and significantly reduce poverty levels," he explained.

In the political field, Puan stated that the DPR also plays an important role in strengthening political institutions, strengthening democracy, and implementing Papua's Special Autonomy.

"The DPR continues to encourage development that respects the rights and dignity of the Indigenous Papuans and encourages them to become leaders in their own land," said the chairman of the 2nd IPPP Session.

Puan added that the DPR has also supported the full implementation of the Papua Special Autonomy Law through the formation of the Papuan People's Assembly as an institution for representatives of Papuans. The DPR also supports Papua's specificity by giving authority to Papua in formulating laws that are typical in Papua.

Not only that, Puan stated that the DPR has also approved the establishment of 4 new provinces in Papua, namely South Papua, Central Papua, Mountains Papua, and Southwest Papua.

"This aims to increase equitable development, central and regional financial distributions that are fairer and increase the proportion of balanced income," explained Puan.

"For the DPR RI, the development of Papua will continue to be a national priority that prioritizes the fulfillment of the rights and dignity of Indigenous Papuans for inclusive welfare," he added.

On the other hand, Puan expressed her support for MSG's role in the Pacific Islands Forum (Pacific Islands Forum) which has become the most important economic bloc in the region as well as the peacekeeper of the Pacific region.

"As a dialogue partner, Indonesia continues to give priority to strengthening relations with Pacific countries, including our friends from the MSG country," explained Puan.

"The presence of all of us here affirms the strength of Melanesia's collective identity and a common vision for the future of a better region," he explained.

Puan believes that the MSG parliamentary dialogue can produce positive results for the Pacific region. Especially Melanesia countries.

"I invite all of us to build constructive cooperation in the spirit of Melanesia's brotherhood," concluded Puan.