Development is one of the reasons why Papua is given special rights to govern its territory. The Papuan Regional Government is given the freedom and responsibility to govern its own territory with a special government-issued, legalized and formal autonomy. The reason for supporting this special right is that, in principle, the Papuan situation is best understood by the native, indigenous, Papuans themselves. Communities outside of Papua play an important role in maintaining the status quo. This partnership continues as the central government continues to provide support, including visits by stakeholders such as the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ma’ruf Amin, who visits frequently to ensure that Papua’s development is on schedule based on special autonomy.
Papua has a diverse ethnic and cultural background. They are characterized by topographical conditions, including the fact that natural resources are where they live, both as a place to live and as a place to find life. Survival in relation to the conditions of nature is combined with traditional respect for noble values ​​believed to have existed since ancient times. So development in Papua can only be done by local Papuans. Only they understand what development is needed and how it will be implemented. Only then will stakeholders support advances in technology and other resources to make this development a reality.
Papua’s natural conditions are different from other parts of Indonesia. The vice president of Indonesia also said that only people living in Papua can understand such natural conditions, namely the locals themselves. Development is also necessary to overcome existing natural conditions, such as in the highlands of Papua, where there are hills and valleys inhabited by indigenous Papuans. Such situations require adaptation, that is, looking at how the landscape develops and what practices make up the local culture.
With the introduction of special autonomy, the main focus was on accelerating development. Achieving this requires action from all stakeholders, especially the local Papuan community. Basic needs such as basic needs, health needs, economic needs and education are adapted to needs that are considered important and relevant to society. The existing natural conditions are certainly a challenge, as are the rules binding the indigenous people, but the Indonesian government respects everything that exists in Papua and gives the Papuan regional government the freedom to manage everything. Sustainable development is expected to continue to protect existing indigenous communities, even protecting them and preserving the natural conditions suitable for their existence.
