West Papua Legislative Council Supports Formation of Working Committee for Central West Papua Province

Four out of the six factions of the West Papua Regional People's Representative Council (DPRP) have supported the establishment of a working committee to escort the proposal for the Central West Papua Province. The aspiration encompasses four regencies within the Bomberay customary area, though the ultimate decision on territorial expansion rests with the central government. Orgenes Wonggor, Chairman of the West Papua DPRP, stated that the support was conveyed during a plenary meeting on the evening of Monday, August 31. "The aspirations conveyed through the four factions will be immediately followed up by forming a committee so that they can monitor the aspirations of the Bomberay indigenous people," Wonggor said in Manokwari, as quoted from Antara on Tuesday, September 1. The supporting factions include Golkar, Amanat Sejahtera, Bangkit Gerakan Indonesia Raya, and Special Autonomy. The proposal for the Central West Papua Province includes Teluk Bintuni, Teluk Wondama, Fakfak, and Kaimana Regencies. Wonggor explained that the DPRP secretariat would issue a decree on the formation of the panja (working committee). However, he emphasized that the authority to expand the territory lies with the central government. "The expansion of the region is the authority of the central government, but we will continue to fight for the aspirations of the people," he stated. West Papua Regional Secretary Ali Baham Temongmere noted that every proposal for a new autonomous region must adhere to the rules and meet the requirements set by the central government. According to Ali, Law Number 2 of 2021 concerning Special Autonomy for Papua provides space for people in seven customary areas to convey their aspirations for expansion. The seven areas include Mamta, Saireri, La Pago, Mee Pago, Anim Ha, Bomberay, and Domberay. "The rules allow and Otsus also give space, but until now there are two customary areas that have not been accommodated by the state," said Ali Baham. Rachmad C. Sinamur, Spokesperson for the Amanat Sejahtera faction of the West Papua DPRP, mentioned that the aspiration for the formation of Central West Papua has been conveyed for several years but was hindered by a moratorium policy on regional expansion. The proposal was also brought to the central government. In January 2023, regional heads and deputy regional heads from Teluk Wondama, Teluk Bintuni, Fakfak, and Kaimana agreed to propose the establishment of the Central West Papua Province. Rachmad said other requirements still need to be prepared, including the possibility of forming new autonomous regions at the district level to ensure the parent province maintains adequate coverage.