R

egional autonomy is deemed ineffective, but requests for autonomy remain strong in South Sulawesi, where two new regencies and a new province are demanding immediate autonomous status, namely South Bone and Central Luwu regencies and Luwu Raya province.

South Bone is part of Bone regency, while Central Luwu is part of Luwu regency. Earlier, Luwu was separated into Luwu, North Luwu and East Luwu regencies, and Palopo muncipality.

Of the two prospective regencies demanding autonomy, Central Luwu is the most ardent to separate because its establishment has strategic value and is the key to form the Luwu Raya province.

Regencies that support Luwu Raya's bid to become a province are Luwu, East Luwu, North Luwu and Palopo municipality, but are short of a regency, thus the motive to separate Luwu and form Central Luwu

The provincial administration has yet to approve it although the proposal was submitted last year.

Recently, three regents, a mayor and provincial legislative councilors, including non-governmental groups and students from across Luwu gathered in Makassar to discuss their wish to separate from South Sulawesi and become an autonomous province.

"Luwu was independent long ago and part of a kingdom. So it's appropriate for it to become its own province at all costs," said Palopo vice mayor Rahmat M. Bandaso.

Besides the historical background, the wish to form Luwu Raya province is also based on people's interests, especially in improving people's welfare by bringing public services closer and accelerate development in the area, through exploiting the rich natural resources.

According to North Luwu Regent Lutfi Andi Mutty, economic growth in Luwu area has experienced further growth through the years. Before it was separated into six regencies and a municipality, Luwu regency's regional initiated income (PAD) stood at only Rp 5 billion, but has reached Rp 100 billion due to having four autonomous regions.

Luwu Raya depends on natural resources for its PAD, mainly from the agriculture, plantation, fishery and mining sectors. The Luwu region is a cacao and cloves production center in South Sulawesi. The area hosts a number of foreign investors, such as the PT Inco nickel mining company.

"So far, PT Inco pays more royalties to the provincial administration, which it shares among 23 regencies and mayoralties, but if it gains autonomy, the royalty would be divided by only five, so the amount would surely be bigger and Luwu people could benefit more from the bigger share of revenue," Lutfi said.

Supporting infrastructure in the prospective Luwu Raya province is adequate, he said. Palopo city consists of a port that can accommodate large ships, including a pioneer airport and several industries.

Lutfi denied assumptions that pressure to form Luwu Raya was politically motivated. South Sulawesi will have lost its area twice, earlier to West Sulawesi province, if demands to form the Luwu Raya province are realized.