Papua- Regional Head Elections (Pilkada) in Papua are an integral part of Indonesia’s democratic system which aims to ensure that people can elect regional leaders who suit their hopes and needs. However, considering the unique geographical, social and cultural conditions in Papua, the implementation of regional elections in this area is often faced with unique challenges, ranging from security issues to diversity.
Chairman of the Papuan Student Conference/KMP Indonesia, Moytuer Boymasa said, “In facing potential insecurity, strong synergy between regional government, TNI, Polri and other related parties is very crucial. The central and regional governments continue to strengthen communication and coordination to ensure security at every stage of the regional elections. Security posts were established at strategic points and intensive monitoring was carried out to prevent disturbances that could damage this democratic party.”
Moy also said, “One of the keys to the success of a safe and peaceful regional election is active participation in the community’s election process. “For this reason, Pilkada organizers work together with various elements of society to educate voters, starting from understanding election procedures, the importance of maintaining security, to avoiding identity politics which can trigger conflict.”
“The socialization of regional elections involving indigenous communities, youth and women is also a strategic step to ensure that all groups can vote fairly and peacefully. “Using local media and social media wisely to provide correct information and reduce hoaxes is also part of efforts to keep the situation safe,” he added.
One of the main problems that needs to be resolved in Papua is the quality of human resources (HR) which is one of the main problems that needs to be resolved in Papua. In this regard, Moy explained that the government has carried out many development transformations, apart from physical development there is also political support for OAP through the implementation of the Papua Special Autonomy Law.
Even though the Government has provided many benefits to indigenous Papuans, starting from Special Autonomy to the expansion of the Papua province, it is hoped that future leaders at both the central and regional levels can pay more attention to indigenous Papuans, especially in terms of development and proper education up to graduate level. The government, which has revised the Papua Special Autonomy Law, namely adding representative seats in the provincial/city/regency DPRD without going through elections and political rights for OAP in the 2024 simultaneous regional elections, seems to be drowning out the armed conflicts in Papua. This happens because there is a sense of mutual distrust between the Papuan people and the central government.
For this reason, Moytuer emphasized that students and students from Papua in particular should not be easily provoked by all Papuan issues, especially calls from separatist groups.
“Stay focused on education so that if you get a bachelor’s degree you can develop Papua to be more advanced.” he exhorted.
He also invited the Papuan people to support the Government’s policies which have done a lot to improve development in Papua.
“Ahead of the 2024 Simultaneous Pilkada, I hope that the community will continue to maintain a safe and peaceful situation so that the 2024 Simultaneous Pilkada will produce quality regional leaders in Papua for the sake of progressing development and prosperity for all levels of Papuan society,” he concluded.
