The enactment of Special Autonomy for Papua Province since 2001 will end next year. At first, this policy has been rejected by the Papuan people, even though it is still being carried out by state with coercion. The fruit of this coercion is considered a failure, as voiced by the Papuan people as symbolized to return Otsus Law to Jakarta in the form of “Otsus Deceased Coffin”.
‘Autonomy or Independence?’
During the presentation of the Indonesian government in parliamentary sessions and the body of Law Number 21 of 2001, there was never heard the term of “Otsus volume one”. If at that time there is a mention of Otsus volume one, it might be understandable if until the end of the enforcement period it could be continued with Otsus volume two.
The Special Autonomy Law for Papua Province was enacted because at that time two proposals were made: Autonomy or Independence. The government tends to choose Autonomy rather than the second option which has indeed warmed to the international level. This means that Otsus is the answer to the aspirations for an independent of Papua.
During the implementation of Otsus, the affirmation action promised by political elites, academics, governors, and NGO coalitions in Papua since 2000 has not been realized until now, including protection in the fields of humanity, health, education, resolving human rights cases, and economic welfare. The Special Autonomy Law and its amendments appear to be merely a general text that cannot translate the specificity of Papuan Indigenous People as the government likes to promise.
In reality, Otsus is only known for its very big funds and the achievements of regional political leaders such as district heads and governors who are the Indigenous Papuan. Apart from that nothing. Big zero!
Suddenly Rich but Squeezed
The usage of that funds is not clear. At the same time, more and more people suddenly get rich. There are political elites, officials, and former officials. It is not an exaggeration if there are many corruption cases in Papua. The highest number of corruptors is indicated by the highest number of corruption in Indonesia. Many Papuan officials have occupied the “free hotel” (the prison).
On the other hand, Otsus does not have a strong legal capacity. Simultaneously there are national laws, such as Law Number 32 of 2004 concerning Regional Government, Law Number 39 of 1999 concerning Human Rights, as well as the Law on Human Rights Courts. Practically, the Papuan human rights issue does not have the authority to be brought to court, including the reconciliation institution that the Papuan elites dream of as a result of being consumed by the sweet seduction of the government to appointed its political policies.
We can count how many lives have been lost as a result of it all. For dozens of years, the Land of Papua has been full of blood. Life is not free. Life is not peaceful. Always scared. The bloody conflict was endless. All of this is contrary to the government’s sweet promise with the Special Autonomy package.
Indigenous Papuan life has not changed. Getting squeezed. Occupied. The poorest on top of its wealth. Living death. The voice was silenced. Terrorized. Threatened with death, even the killings continued. Murder utilizing the state.
Is that evidence of the government’s concern that Otsus was realized according to the promise and the law containing 24 Chapters and 79 Articles which from the start was announced throughout the archipelago? True or not, the answer is in the hands of the Papuan people.
What is certain is that during the 19 years that Special Autonomy was enforced in Papua Land, actions in the field are very contrary to the law whose draft was drafted by academics with a handful of interested people. Now, one year ahead of the end of the Special Autonomy period, all Indigenous Papuan feel cheated, lied to, and mocked by the Indonesian government.
Shepherd’s Voice
The various facts and reasons expressed by 57 indigenous Papuan Catholic priests from five dioceses in the Papua Region during a press conference in Abepura, Jayapura City, Tuesday, July 21st, 2020, cannot be denied because indigenous Papua has experienced many problems caused by that law.
The Special Autonomy which the government and comprador consider to be the right solution is the right weapon to torment, marginalize, impoverish, silence, intimidate, colonize and kill God’s creatures in this rich country.
Papuan Catholic priests in their prophetic voices call on the government not to impose its political will on the Papuan people. Because after all the people of Papuan don’t trust the government. It is proven that the realization of policy is always different. Another theory, another practice. The Special Autonomy Law is clear evidence.
When the Otsus in the Land of Papua is deemed to have failed to be implemented with terrible facts, we come to a question: what is the next solution? There must be many options for their respective reasons and opinions. However, of course, the final answer lies with the Papuan people.
At least so far it has been voiced on various occasions, also recently in responding to the discourse on Otsus volume two – a summary of which was revealed by 57 Papuan indigenous Catholic priests – it is better to return it to the Papuan people to choose and decide for themselves. ***
