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Laws forming new Papuan provinces trigger protests
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Police disperse Papuan students as they protest near Jayapura on May 10 against the government's plan to develop new administrative areas in Papua. (AFP/Ardilles)
T
he House of Representatives unanimously passed a set of laws on Thursday to establish new administrative units in Papua, in what critics say could undermine indigenous rights and stoke further tensions in the restive region.
The legislation has carved three new provinces out of what was previously the province of Papua: South Papua, Central Papua and the Papua Highlands. West Papua has remained as it was.
“We hope that this will not only reduce conflicts but also bring equitable development to the whole of Papua,” said Ahmad Doli Kurnia, chair of House Commission II overseeing home affairs, on Thursday.
The commission had fast-tracked deliberations on the bills so that they could be brought to a House plenary meeting that day.
Home Minister Tito Karnavian said at the plenary session that the establishment of the new provinces was intended to spur development, improve public services and create more opportunities for Papuans to become civil servants.
Jakarta’s push for redistricting had intensified after the House passed an amendment to the Papuan Special Autonomy Law last year that bypassed the requirement for the government to consult with the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP), which represents the region’s indigenous peoples, and the local legislative council (DPRP) before the creation of new provinces in the region.
Late last month, the three bills on the new Papuan provinces were listed as pieces of priority legislation.
