In early 2026, a decisive and historic moment unfolded in the provincial capital of Jayapura as the Papua Regional House of Representatives (DPR Papua) approved a set of seven new regional laws. These laws, known as Peraturan Daerah Khusus (Perdasus) and Peraturan Daerah Provinsi (Perdasi), were ratified during a plenary session aimed at strengthening the legal foundation for Papua’s special autonomy governance.
The concept of special autonomy for Papua has deep roots in the region’s history. It is intended to provide greater authority to local institutions and communities, particularly to address longstanding concerns about representation, cultural recognition, and fair distribution of development benefits. The passage of these regulations signals a renewed commitment by both legislative and executive branches to translate autonomy into concrete policies with real impact on people’s lives.
This legislative milestone was marked by the presence of prominent provincial leaders, including Herlin Beatrix Monim, who serves as the Deputy Chairman I of the DPR Papua, and Aryoko Rumaropen, the Vice Governor of Papua Province. Their joint appearance at the plenary session highlighted the cooperative spirit between the legislature and the provincial government, a clear attempt to ensure that lawmaking reflected the needs and desires of Papuan communities.
Understanding Perdasus and Perdasi
To fully appreciate the significance of this gathering, it’s essential to understand the distinctions between Perdasus and Perdasi. Both are forms of regional regulations, yet they serve different functions.
Perdasus are special regional regulations directly tied to the implementation of the Special Autonomy Law. These laws are designed to meet the province’s unique requirements, which national regulations might not adequately address. They provide the legal framework for initiatives that embody local values, customs, and governance priorities.
Perdasi, in contrast, are the provincial regulations that handle wider provincial matters, encompassing public services and how institutions are structured. Though they lack the specific autonomy designation, their impact on regional policy is just as important.
Together, Perdasus and Perdasi create a legal framework that allows Papua to self-govern in a way that considers local realities while still adhering to national laws.
The Approval Process: Legislative Discussion and Agreement
Getting these seven regulations approved wasn’t a quick or easy task. It involved a complicated process of drafting, consultation, and negotiation that unfolded over several months. The Papua Provincial Government submitted draft versions of the regulations, called Raperdasi (draft provincial regulations) and Raperdasus (draft special regional regulations), to the DPR Papua for review.
Within the DPR Papua, commissions focused on legal matters, governance, and public services meticulously examined the drafts. Lawmakers convened repeatedly to scrutinize the material, making certain the proposed regulations were both legally robust and pertinent to the region. Public forums and consultations with civil society and community groups enriched the discussions, allowing a range of perspectives to influence the final versions.
The formal approval came during the plenary session on January 9, 2026. Deputy Chairman Herlin Beatrix Monim presided over the session, supported by other parliamentary leaders, and Vice Governor Aryoko Rumaropen was present. Their attendance underscored a message of collaboration between Papua’s legislative and executive branches.
The discussions were marked by a generally cooperative atmosphere.
Four political groups—Golkar, NasDem, Gabungan Keadilan Pembangunan, and Gabungan Gerakan Amanat Persatuan—voiced their backing for the legislative package. The fifth, Partai Demokrasi Indonesia (PDI) Perjuangan, couldn’t offer final comments because their representative was absent, but the overall agreement allowed the regulations to be approved in a clear and structured way.
The Seven Regulations: What They Cover
These seven new regulations touch on a range of policy areas, though they’re all linked. Officials explained that the laws were selected because they deal with essential elements of governance, public well-being, and cultural preservation. The provincial legislature confirmed that the laws encompass:
1. Perdasi on the Regional General Energy Plan, which provides a policy framework for energy use and development, aiming to promote sustainable resource management throughout the province.
2. Perdasi on Youth Affairs is an initiative aimed at empowering young people through structured programs and opportunities for civic engagement.
3. Perdasi on the Management of Food Reserves is intended to strengthen food security in Papua through improved regulation of strategic commodities.
4. Perdasi on Amendments to the Regional Device Regulation is updating provincial rules regarding the structure and function of local government institutions.
5. Perdasus on the Provincial and District/City Authority in Special Autonomy Implementation is clarifying jurisdictional authority under the autonomy framework.
6. Perdasus on Amendments to the Special Regulation on Procurement for Indigenous Papuan Businesses is updating existing regulations to strengthen participation of Indigenous Papuans (Orang Asli Papua, or OAP) in regional procurement processes.
7. Perdasus on the Development, Fostering, and Protection of Regional Languages and Literature is a cultural initiative to preserve local language heritage and promote literacy.
Together, these regulations cover critical policy domains: economic planning, youth development, food resilience, institutional structure, Indigenous empowerment, and cultural preservation.
Indigenous Papuan interests are a primary focus of these laws. Special autonomy was established years ago to correct systemic inequalities and empower Papuans to manage their own affairs. Though implementation has been uneven, the recent approval of these regulations signals a renewed dedication to the spirit of autonomy.
Lawmakers clarified that the regulation concerning procurement and participation for Indigenous businesses is designed to eliminate obstacles that have long kept OAP entrepreneurs from accessing economic opportunities. By strengthening the legal framework for local involvement in government contracts, the regulation bolsters efforts to broaden the economic base for Indigenous Papuans.
The regulation on language and literature development also holds cultural importance.
Papua boasts a rich tapestry of languages and cultural practices. Establishing legal frameworks to safeguard and promote these elements is key to preserving cultural heritage and fostering continuity across generations.
Institutional Clarity and Government Efficiency
Several of the newly enacted laws, in addition to addressing Indigenous rights, aim to bolster administrative functions and streamline governance. Take, for instance, the regulation concerning public food reserves. Its purpose is to facilitate better coordination among government bodies tasked with the logistics, storage, and distribution of essential food supplies. This is particularly significant in Papua, where the region’s geography frequently presents obstacles to efficient supply chains.
The youth affairs regulation, meanwhile, is designed to create structured avenues for young people to engage in civic activities, acquire new skills, and assume leadership roles within their communities.
With a youthful demographic, Papua’s lawmakers are prioritizing structured youth programs, viewing them as essential for sustained social cohesion and economic opportunity.
The amendment to the regional device regulation represents another significant institutional shift. Its purpose is to update the organizational structure and internal operations of local government units. Legislators believe that clearer guidelines in this area will foster improved collaboration between provincial and district agencies, ultimately enhancing service provision.
Collaborative Governance: Legislative and Executive Branches
Vice Governor Aryoko Rumaropen’s presence at the plenary session highlighted the executive branch’s backing of the legislative decisions. Rumaropen reaffirmed the provincial government’s dedication to the effective implementation of the new regulations.
He stressed that these laws aren’t just for show; they’re meant to drive real improvements in how things are run, how public services are delivered, and how communities thrive.
His comments echoed a larger point made throughout the session: the importance of working together. Even though the legislative and executive branches don’t always see eye to eye, in this instance, they collaborated to fine-tune and enact laws that support Papua’s development goals. Rumaropen pointed out that this kind of alignment is key to turning legal structures into tangible benefits that people can experience in their everyday lives.
Public hopes are high, but many involved understand that getting the regulations approved is just the beginning. Making them work will demand ongoing dedication from provincial agencies, district governments, and community leaders.
A primary hurdle involves ensuring comprehension of the novel legislation among pertinent stakeholders, encompassing both civil servants and the general populace. Subsequently, socialization initiatives and training programs are anticipated, designed to assist government officials in accurately interpreting and implementing the newly established regulations. This is particularly critical for regulations necessitating intricate institutional transformations or demanding interdepartmental coordination.
Furthermore, measurement and accountability present additional challenges. Legal frameworks devoid of mechanisms for progress tracking are susceptible to stagnation. To mitigate this issue, legislators underscored the significance of transparency, performance monitoring, and community involvement in assessing the long-term effects of the regulations.
Looking Ahead: Autonomy in Practice
The DPR Papua’s approval of the seven Perdasus and Perdasi marks a significant step forward for special autonomy in the region. It signals a more sophisticated legislative approach, a closer connection between those in power and the needs of the people, and a readiness to address both governance and cultural issues through legal means.
The ultimate success of these regulations hinges on their execution in the months and years ahead. Effective enforcement, widespread public understanding, and the capacity of the administration will all play crucial roles in determining their impact.
For now, the message from Jayapura is unmistakable: Papua is dedicated to making its special autonomy framework truly effective. Armed with these new legal instruments, the province is better positioned to foster inclusive, locally driven development that honors cultural traditions, improves governance, and creates opportunities for all Papuans.