POLITICS – Papua have a fairly close connection with the term patriarchy. The customs and culture that exist in various tribes place men at a higher level than women. Including decision making and leadership. Women are rarely involved in the deliberation process and this certainly makes it clearer that women in Papua cannot be involved in politics. However, these patriarchal things slowly began to erode over time, especially when Special Autonomy started to be implemented in Papua. The involvement of women in politics is starting to be taken.
The 2024 General Election (PEMILU) will implement a new initiative, expecting approximately 30% of women’s involvement in obtaining seats in the legislative council. Political parties began to carry out cadre formation maneuvers in Papua. The purpose is to mobilize women to advance to the electoral arena and try to gain as many voters’ votes as possible. When women have entered the legislature, Papua with special autonomy will listen to the perspectives and suggestions of Papuan women whose voices have not been heard much for patriarchal reasons.
Women in Papua have also begun to show their capacity when given a mandate. One example is how Special Autonomy then makes leaders in the land of Papua must be Indigenous Papuans. The new and special regulations for Papua succeeded in launching a woman to become Governor of Central Papua, namely Rebekah Haluk. She became the first female governor of Papua. The resulting policies have so far satisfied the community. The management of Special Autonomy is carried out well.
There are other names of women from Papua who have succeeded in obtaining high positions even in the central government. Yohana Yembise was appointed Minister for the Protection of Children and Women during the administration of President Joko Widodo. A high position in the class of Minister for Women from Papua who started her career as an academic trying to break down the patriarchal values that have long existed in Papua. Just like Rebekah Haluk, Yohana Yembise can also be said to have succeeded during her tenure in implementing policies that had a good impression with satisfactory performance.
The existence of Special Autonomy in Papua encourages women’s participation to get a place in government and to be given the widest possible opportunities to participate actively in the political field. Starting from nominating as legislative members to holding various positions, women in Papua are no longer underestimated. Voices in the form of suggestions or criticism from women are also a consideration for policy makers to implement. Special Autonomy in Papua liberates women’s freedom to give opinions and be accountable for them.
