SORONG – The youth group of the Moi sub-tribe of Moi Salkma in Sorong district asked the General Election Commission (KPU) of Southwest Papua province (PBD) to respect the decision of the Papuan People’s Assembly (MRP) regarding the results of factual verification of the authenticity of Papuans from the candidates for governor and deputy governor.
Yordan Malamuk, a youth representative from the East Sayosa district, stated that the MRP is an institution for cultural representation of indigenous peoples in the Land of Papua, so any decision of the PBD MRP regarding candidates for governor and deputy governor must be supported by all parties, especially indigenous peoples.
“If the decision of the MRP PBD is in favor of the interests of Papuans in the province of Southwest Papua, then it must be supported by all indigenous Papuans,” said Yordan Malamuk when met in Aimas, Sorong district, Sunday (8/9/2024).
He admitted that the political dynamics in the 38th province in Indonesia were heating up. This is since after the customary recognition issued by the Malamoi LMA to reap criticism from various groups. “The polemic is getting hotter at this time, the tension is getting hotter after the results of the factual verification of the authenticity of Papuans from the MRP PBD were submitted to the PBD KPU. Currently, traditional leaders claim each other’s birthright,” said Yordan.
Malamuk admitted that it was very sad to see Moi traditional leaders who focus on politics and ignore the problems of indigenous peoples. “Moi traditional leaders stop taking care of politics. There are many companies that continue to try to enter and threaten the existence of indigenous peoples. They should just focus on it,” he said.
Benatus, another young man, saw the political tension of Pilkada in Southwest Papua province heating up, especially after the MRP PBD decision. Whatever the argument, said Benatus, the Papuan People’s Assembly of Southwest Papua province clearly has absolute authority according to the mandate of the Special Autonomy Law (Otsus).
“The decision of the PBD MRP is in accordance with the mandate of the Special Autonomy Law, so we Moi Salkma youth from all over Sayosa strongly support the decision,” he said.
